Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 23, 1994 TAG: 9404250149
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
``Brainscan'' tells the same story. While most fans, particularly younger ones, will stay one step ahead of the plot all the way through, they'll also see some neat special effects. And for the target audience, readers of Fangoria magazine, which is featured prominently in the film, that's the point.
Young Michael (Edward Furlong) is a teen with a troubled past. He spends most of his time in his room playing with an elaborate computer-video-communications set-up. He also loves (and videotapes) Kimberly (Amy Hargreaves), the girl next door. When his best friend Kyle (Jamie Marsh) tells him that ``Brainscan,'' a new interactive videogame, is guaranteed to ``satisfy your sickest fantasies,'' Michael orders a copy right away.
Initially, the game appears to involve the player in the commission of an incredibly realistic murder. Michael thinks it's about the neatest thing he's ever done until he turns on the news later and learns that. ... You know where it's all leading.
The other key characters are police detective Hayden (Frank Langella) and Trickster (T. Ryder Smith), a Freddy Kreugeresque demon who materializes from within the game and has truly disgusting eating habits. Can you believe it - mustard on bananas!
Andrew Walker's script is a vehicle for visual effects by Rene Daalder, Art Durinski and Steve Johnson. Veteran director John Flynn tells the story quite competently. Though the film is inherently violent, it's not nearly as explicit as it seems.
Those who don't already care for horror films won't find anything in ``Brainscan'' to change their minds. For fans, the effects won't be nearly as impressive when it comes out on video.
Brainscan ** 1/2
A Triumph Releasing film playing at the Salem Valley 8. 94 minutes. Rated R for violence, strong language, passing nudity.
by CNB