Cyborg Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

In the future, Van Damme kicks everyone while trying to deliver a cyborg memory stick that contains the antivirus.

🍿 Cyborg: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A World in Ruins

In a post-apocalyptic America ravaged by plague, Gibson Rickenbacker (Jean-Claude Van Damme) roams as a ‘Slinger,’ a hired gun. The world is a wasteland filled with murderous gangs and desperate survivors. The opening narration sets the stage: ‘First there was the collapse of civilization…anarchy, genocide, starvation…then we got the plague.’

Pearl Prophet and the Cure

Gibson encounters Pearl Prophet (Dayle Haddon), a cyborg carrying vital information needed to create a cure for the plague in Atlanta. Pearl hires Gibson as protection, but they are soon ambushed by Fender Tremolo (Vincent Klyn) and his ‘Pirates,’ who want the cure for themselves.

The Pursuit of Fender

Gibson, fueled by revenge after Fender’s gang destroyed his previous family, teams up with Nady Simmons (Deborah Richter), a survivor seeking retribution. Together, they pursue Fender and his Pirates, facing perilous obstacles and deadly encounters in the desolate landscape. Their journey is fraught with danger, as they navigate a world where trust is a rare commodity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gibson Rickenbacker (Jean-Claude Van Damme): A skilled ‘slinger’ haunted by his past, seeking revenge on Fender while protecting Pearl and striving to save humanity.
• Fender Tremolo (Vincent Klyn): The ruthless leader of a gang of pirates, driven by a lust for power and a sadistic desire to control the cure.
• Nady Simmons (Deborah Richter): A resourceful and determined woman who joins Gibson in his quest, providing crucial assistance and companionship.
• Pearl Prophet (Dayle Haddon): A cyborg carrying the vital information for a plague cure, making her a target for both salvation and exploitation.
• Haley (Haley Peterson): A former victim of Fender’s cruelty who ends up siding with the villain.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Fender Tremolo: “First there was the collapse of civilization: anarchy, genocide, starvation. Then when it seemed things couldn’t get any worse, we got the plague. The Living Death, quickly closing its fist over the entire planet. Restore it? Why? I like the death! I like the misery! I like this world!” – Fender explains his nihilistic worldview, reveling in the chaos and destruction of the post-apocalyptic world.
• Pearl Prophet: “I’m carrying vital information.” – Pearl states the importance of her mission and the data she carries to find a cure for the plague.
• Gibson Rickenbacker: “Fender!” – Gibson’s primal scream, filled with vengeance, as he confronts his family’s killer.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $500,000
• Domestic Gross: $10,166,459
• Worldwide Gross: $10,166,459

💥 Cyborg Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, look, Cyborg isn’t winning any awards, but I have a soft spot for this movie. Van Damme is at his most Van Damme-y, kicking and screaming his way through a wasteland. I still remember being blown away when Fender crucified Van Damme – that scene is burned into my memory! The music is so bad it’s good, and it’s just a fun, cheesy ride from start to finish. If you’re looking for a serious movie, move on. But if you want some 80s action fun, give it a shot!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Jean-Claude Van Damme’s early action movies”
  • “Viewers interested in post-apocalyptic and dystopian films”
  • “Those who enjoy B-movies with martial arts and over-the-top action”
  • “Admirers of 80s action cinema and low-budget filmmaking”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and fight scenes”
  • “Some disturbing imagery and torture”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Post-apocalyptic themes may be intense for some viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Action Movie Enthusiast: “Cyborg delivers what it promises: post-apocalyptic fights and Van Damme kicking butt. The plot is thin, but the action is plentiful and the villain is delightfully over-the-top. Worth a watch for fans of 80s action cheese.
• Sci-Fi B Movie Critic: “While not a cinematic masterpiece, Cyborg has a certain charm in its low-budget, post-apocalyptic setting. Van Damme’s kicks are impressive, and the overall aesthetic is pure 80s B-movie gold. Just don’t expect a deep story or stellar acting.

Audience Reactions

Van Damme’s high kicks and fight choreography were awesome.: The action sequences and overall 80’s vibe were definitely a highlight for most viewers.

The over-the-top villain Fender Tremolo, was strangely captivating.: Many viewers found the villain’s performance to be entertaining, if unintentionally so.

Overall Consensus: Cyborg is a quintessential 80s B-movie, packed with action, cheese, and Van Damme’s signature moves. It’s not high art, but it’s a fun, nostalgic watch for fans of the genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Originally, ‘Cyborg’ was intended to be ‘Masters of the Universe 2,’ but Cannon Films ran into financial difficulties, leading to a rewrite and a lower budget.”
• “Jean-Claude Van Damme accidentally blinded Jackson ‘Rock’ Pinckney in one eye during a sword fight scene, leading to a lawsuit and settlement.”
• “The film reuses sets and costumes initially designed for the abandoned ‘Masters of the Universe’ sequel and a ‘Spider-Man’ film that Cannon Films couldn’t afford to produce.”

🖥️ How to Watch Cyborg?

As of October 2024, ‘Cyborg’ is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cyborg, you might like these similar films:

• Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981): Similar post-apocalyptic setting with violent gangs and a lone warrior protecting a valuable resource.
• Hardware (1990): Low-budget sci-fi action with a gritty, dystopian feel and a relentless killer cyborg.
• Soldier (1998): Features themes of a lone warrior in a desolate landscape fighting for survival, similar to Gibson.
• Death Race 2000 (1975): Exploitation film with a dark sense of humor set in a dystopian future

🛒 Cyborg Related Products

• Jean-Claude Van Damme: The Early Years Collection [Blu-ray]: A collection of Van Damme’s early action films, including Cyborg, featuring improved picture and sound quality.
• Post-Apocalyptic Wasteland Diorama Model Kit: A detailed model kit to create your own post-apocalyptic diorama, perfect for displaying with action figures.
• Mad Max Fury Road (PS4/PS5): An open-world action game set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Players can customize vehicles, engage in intense combat, and explore a vast and dangerous world.
• Cyborg: Fender Tremolo “I Like the Misery” T-Shirt: Show your love for the iconic villain with this unique T-shirt. High-quality print on comfortable fabric.

🎧 Soundtrack

Cyborg features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Kevin Bassinson
• “Atlanta” – performed by Kevin Bassinson
• “The Well” – performed by Kevin Bassinson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Cyborg (1989) Cast: Then and Now

Ever wonder what happened to the cast of Cyborg? This video shows you what they look like now! It’s always fascinating to see how much people change over the years.

✨ Rate