Race car driver Alex Furlong sensationally crashes his car, although he should be dead, but just before the impact he's transported into the future (the year 2009) by some bounty hunters. The catch is that his body was bought by some corporation boss with failing health, and his plan is to do a mind swap. However Alex escapes, as he tries to survive with the bounty on his head getting larger. He's only chance remains with his back then fiancée Julie, who was there at the horrible crash.
What could have been a fascinating story (who knows, as the novel that it's adapted off might be?) turns out to be a likable, but blandly silly futuristic sci-fi chase (quite a long too) thriller. Not bland in the aspect of well placed thrills, but more so in its lack of bite with it unimaginative story-telling (with set pieces melding it together from other sci-fi prototypes) and witlessly lousy dialogues. It's a predictable smörgåsbord where a lot seems to happen/or work out by chance, but it's made easier by its committed performances and few crafty images. Director Geoff Murphy (behind such films as; "The Quiet Earth" (1985) and the 1995 sequel "Under Siege 2: Dark Territory") keeps it mechanical, but rapidly fast. The backdrop demonstrates a scrappy, bleak and sleazy future for New York and the special effects might look rather wonky now, but they are modestly carried out. Emilio Estevez at first seemed miscast, but grew comfortably in the role and Rene Russo held a strong presence. Mick Jagger doesn't look like he's even trying, but comes off enjoyably meaty (thanks to some choice dialogue). Anthony Hopkins pretty much phones in his performance. Also there are small parts by Grand L. Bush and Amanda Plummer as an unforgettably snappy nun.
The forgotten offering "Freejack" could have made better use of the concept, but nonetheless remains passably entertaining.
What could have been a fascinating story (who knows, as the novel that it's adapted off might be?) turns out to be a likable, but blandly silly futuristic sci-fi chase (quite a long too) thriller. Not bland in the aspect of well placed thrills, but more so in its lack of bite with it unimaginative story-telling (with set pieces melding it together from other sci-fi prototypes) and witlessly lousy dialogues. It's a predictable smörgåsbord where a lot seems to happen/or work out by chance, but it's made easier by its committed performances and few crafty images. Director Geoff Murphy (behind such films as; "The Quiet Earth" (1985) and the 1995 sequel "Under Siege 2: Dark Territory") keeps it mechanical, but rapidly fast. The backdrop demonstrates a scrappy, bleak and sleazy future for New York and the special effects might look rather wonky now, but they are modestly carried out. Emilio Estevez at first seemed miscast, but grew comfortably in the role and Rene Russo held a strong presence. Mick Jagger doesn't look like he's even trying, but comes off enjoyably meaty (thanks to some choice dialogue). Anthony Hopkins pretty much phones in his performance. Also there are small parts by Grand L. Bush and Amanda Plummer as an unforgettably snappy nun.
The forgotten offering "Freejack" could have made better use of the concept, but nonetheless remains passably entertaining.