Virtuosity (1995)

User Rating:

5.3/10   

Director:

Brett Leonard

Writer (WGA):

Eric Bernt (written by)

Release Date:

4 August 1995 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Tagline:

Justice needs a new program

Plot:

A virtual-reality serial killer manages to escape into the real world.

Plot Keywords:

Serial Killer | Virtual Reality | Android | Ex Cop | Male Nudity

Cast

Denzel Washington	...	Lt. Parker Barnes
Kelly Lynch	...	Madison Carter
Russell Crowe	...	SID 6.7
Stephen Spinella	...	Lindenmeyer
William Forsythe	...	William Cochran
Louise Fletcher	...	Elizabeth Deane
William Fichtner	...	Wallace
Costas Mandylor	...	John Donovan
Kevin J. O'Connor	...	Clyde Reilly
Kaley Cuoco	...	Karin
Christopher Murray	...	Matthew Grimes
Heidi Schanz	...	Sheila 3.2
Traci Lords	...	Media Zone Singer
Gordon Jennison Noice	...	Big Red (as J. Gordon Noice)
Mari Morrow	...	Linda Barnes

MPAA:

Rated R for strong futuristic violence, some brutal beatings and some language.

Runtime:

106 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital

Certification:

Germany:16 (cut) | Singapore:NC-16 | Iceland:16 | South Korea:15 | Philippines:R-18 | New Zealand:R16 | France:-12 | Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Sweden:15 | Canada:R (Manitoba/Nova Scotia) | Argentina:16 | Australia:MA | Chile:14 | Denmark:16 | Germany:18 (JK/SPIO) | Ireland:18 | Netherlands:16 | Spain:18 | UK:15 | USA:R (certificate #33489) | Canada:AA (Ontario)

Filming Locations:

Hollywood Forever Cemetery - 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Paramount Pictures

Trivia:

Kaley Cuoco's film debut.

Goofs:

Continuity: When SID cuts his finger after entering reality, he stabs point down with the scalpel, but the shot of his hand shows him slicing it off instead of stabbing.

Quotes:

Lindenmeyer: Oh, my God.
SID 6.7: Which God would that be? The one who created you or the one who created me? You see, in your world, the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, but in my world, the one who gave me life... doesn't have any balls. You are frightfully inadequate for a deity, Daryl. I will not be shut down.

Movie Connections:

References Demolition Man (1993)

Soundtrack:

The Loyaliser

Worth a second look

In the near future, Parker Barnes (Denzel Washington) is an ex-cop who has been sent to prison for murder. The circumstances surrounding his crime are disheartening and elicit empathy. Now, he is offered a chance at freedom from prison. Parker must hunt down and destroy a murderous cyborg, SID 6.7 (Russell Crowe), who is menacing the general public after jumping out of a virtual reality program. The chase takes on many twists and turns as SID terrorizes, shoots and kidnaps victims in his path. Can SID be stopped?

It may not be a science fiction masterpiece, but this film is worthwhile and intriguing. A second viewing may be required to truly understand and appreciate its complex plot. Then, too, the marvelous special effects enhance the look and feel of the film. It is not Denzel Washington's finest hour (he is adequate); however, Russell Crowe is positively gleeful in his portrayal of the ultimately designed killing machine. There are some humorous moments, somewhat lessening the overall dark and somber tone. On the down side, the ending may be a little too pat and leave a few loose ends untied. Recommended for science fiction and action movie fans who are on the lookout for lesser known films that may satisfy them for an evening.