Scanners II: The New Order (1991)

A scanner discovers a plot by renegade elements in the city government to take power with the help of evil scanners.

Director:

Christian Duguay

Writers:

David Cronenberg (based on original characters created by), B.J. Nelson (screenplay)

Stars:

David Hewlett, Deborah Raffin, Yvan Ponton

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Hewlett	...	David Kellum
Deborah Raffin	...	Julie Vale
Yvan Ponton	...	Commander John Forrester
Isabelle Mejias	...	Alice Leonardo
Tom Butler	...	Doctor Morse
Raoul Max Trujillo	...	Peter Drak (as Raoul Trujillo)
Vlasta Vrana	...	Lt. Gelson
Murray Westgate	...	George Kellum
Doris Petrie	...	Susan Kellum
Dorothée Berryman	...	Mayor
Michael Rudder	...	Feck
David Francis	...	Gruner
Stephen Zarou	...	Walter
Tom Harvey	...	Chief Stokes
Jason Cavalier	...	Convenience Store Thug

Storyline

Good and evil scanners combatting when a crooked politician schemes to gain control of a major city. Scanners are people who, because their mothers had taken a certain drug during pregnancy, have acquired telepathic powers. One scanner escapes from a mental center and is hired by the politician to use his powers to gain control of others minds, and then, their actions.

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Plot Keywords:

telekinesis | psychotronic film | sequel | second part | arcade | 

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Taglines:

In the 21st century, the mind is the ultimate weapon...

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Genres:

Action | Horror | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence and graphic sci-fi action

Did You Know?

Trivia

Filmed over the course of two months.

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Quotes

[Last lines]
David Kellum: [is finally killing Commander John Forrester with scanner powers, suddenly stops] No more killing. We didn't want this.
[to the press]
David Kellum: We mean you no harm. Just here to help.

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Alternate Versions

To appease the MPAA, which was being particularly critical of horror movies during that era, the filmmakers shot numerous variations of scenes to enable them to create R-rated, unrated and TV edits of the film.

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Connections

References Brutal Glory (1989)

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Soundtracks

Nothing can stop us now
Written by Marty Simon & Aldo Nova
Performed by Laury Shedler & Alan Jordan
Courtesy of Polygram Music Publishing Inc.

User Reviews

What is a 'Scanner'?

'Scanners 2: The New Order' & 'Scanners 3: The Takeover' are more stand-alone interpretations of the themes and scenarios introduced by Cronenberg's 1981 classic than actual sequels. By all rights, it's no surprise that few have seen these; they are oozing with an early-1990's, straight-to-video feel but, as a couple, there is some genuine weight here and both films definitely have their merits.

First of all, what is a 'Scanner'? Well, we learn in the original film that in the 1950's a medication called ephemerol was tested on a large number of women to ease the discomfort of pregnancy. Much to the surprise of all involved, the drug caused a mutation in the infants; they were born with powers including (but not limited to) telekinesis, extrasensory perception, and the ability to read minds. Each film builds on these powers, reaching a fever-pitch of suspended disbelief by the third.

In 'Scanners 2: The New Order' we are introduced to David Kellum, a mild-mannered veterinary student who's scanning abilities are just surfacing – apparently the result of his moving away from the quiet countryside and to a volatile (and fantastically Canadian) city. He is approached by a research lab that is trying to find fresh Scanners who are not psychopaths; one of the side effects of the mutation is that it often drives those affected completely insane. David discovers that the corporation has a dubious ulterior motive and he uses his newly tuned scanning abilities to fight back.

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English French Japanese

Release Date:

28 June 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Scanners II: The New Order

Filming Locations:

Montréal, Québec, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

CAD5,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Allegro Films, Filmtech, Image Organization

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1