Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 4, 1993 TAG: 9404060001
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: B12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Mike Mayo Correspondent
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
While it really doesn't measure up as science-fiction or political propaganda, it is a satisfying, though extremely violent, guilty pleasure.
Sometime early in the next century, America has been turned into a totalitarian state run where abortion and overpopulation are illegal. Trying to escape, John Brennick (Christopher Lambert) and his pregnant wife, Karen (Loryn Locklin), are captured at the border. They're sent to the Fortress, an underground prison run by the Men-Tel corporation.
Behavior modification has reached astonishing levels there. First there are the ``intestinators,'' metal devices that the inmates are forced to swallow. Zed-10, the big brother (actually big sister in this case) computer can activate the things to cause pain ranging from stomach cramps to death. Zed-10 can even scan the inmates' dreams and interrupt when those are inappropriate.
The sadistic prison director Poe (Kurtwood Smith), who is more than he seems, uses the computer to run the place singlehandedly. Of course, Brennick and his cellmates rebel, etc. etc. Once you get past the gimmicks in the plot, credited to four writers, it's standard prison fare.
The story is told through some dandy special effects, and some that are really revolting. The sets are realistic enough to give the prison a remarkably realistic feeling. The acting is appropriately tongue-in-cheek.
Director Stuart Gordon, still best known for the cult hit ``Re-Animator,'' doesn't equal the heights of bad taste that he scaled there, but overall, he does effective work. The pace is quick, and a dark sense of humor keeps the bloody effects from being too painful.
``Fortress'' is certainly not for all audiences - particularly not for kids - but if you're looking for a cheap thrill, it's probably the best thing you'll find at the movies this weekend.
\ Fortress ***
A Miramax release playing at the Valley View Mall and Salem Valley 8. 90 min. Rated R for graphic violence, strong language, brief nudity, sexual content.
by CNB