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Fortress 2

Starring: Christopher Lambert
Director: Geoff Murphy
Genre: Science Fiction
Year: 2000
Rating: 1 / 5

What kind of world is this where a terrible film, the sequel to one of the worst movies ever, can actually be considered an improvement? Fortress 2, starring science fiction sensation Christopher Lambert, is a bad, bad film, although it easily outdistances its predecessor, Fortress. It seems that some people do not know when to quit, and, as he proved with the Highlander franchise, Lambert is one of those people. With too many scenes that are eerily reminiscent of the original film, Fortress 2 is little more than an excuse to dish lame one-liners, flash some breasts, and keep Lambert out of the unemployment line.

John Brennick (Christopher Lambert) is living in a secluded mountain cabin with his wife Karen (Beth Toussaint - same character, different actress) and young son Danny (Aidan Rae). Still on the run from the Men-Tel Corporation, from which they escaped ten years prior, the Brennicks are a nomadic family. In spite of all this, John is still able to devote some time to the Resistance, a group with designs on eliminating the Men-Tel Corporation's source of power. As fellow rebels are pitching a daring plan to John, Men-Tel mercenaries swoop in to capture John. Karen and Danny take to the woods, just as John is being transported to a prison orbiting around the Earth.

Fortunately for the other members of this penal space station, John has been in this type of situation before. After all, as we are told repeatedly by scared Men-Tel employees and fellow inmates, John is the only person ever to escape a Men-Tel prison. Why is he kept alive? Surely there is some sinister use planned for him? Alas, that would actually make some sense. While the original film featured devices planted in the intestines of the inmates, this film features an altogether different implant, one which I will not "ruin" for the half dozen fans out there who care. Needless to say, John will not take imprisonment lying down, especially with his wife and son on the run back on Earth. Be wary, Men-Tel!

Christopher Lambert is still gainfully employed almost two decades after his only legitimate hit, and movie fans like myself are wondering why. As was the case with Fortress, Lambert is not the biggest problem in this movie, but he certainly does not help matters. He seems to spend the majority of the film waiting to deliver glib one-liners, accompanied by his trademark wry smile. However, these bland retorts are the sort that even Jean-Claude Van Damme would be reluctant to utter. Beth Toussaint - was Loryn Locklin really asking for that much money? - has even less of a role than her predecessor, and she somehow manages to mostly avoid the mandated Christopher Lambert dream sequences. Come to think of it, if this whole experience is a dream, will someone please wake me up?

Cast:

Certification: Rated R for violence, language, and nudity.
Running Time: 92 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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