The Lawnmower Man Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A scientist gives a gardener VR and drugs, turning him into a vengeful internet god who really hates lawns.

🍿 The Lawnmower Man: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Virtual Reality Experiments

Dr. Lawrence Angelo, a scientist, is conducting virtual reality experiments aimed at enhancing intelligence. He initially experiments on chimpanzees, but one experiment goes awry, leading to a dangerous escape. This forces Angelo to take a break from his work with the government.

Jobe’s Transformation

Angelo decides to continue his research privately, using Jobe Smith, a mentally challenged gardener, as his new subject. Through a combination of drugs and virtual reality, Jobe’s intelligence rapidly increases. He begins to display remarkable cognitive abilities and even psychic powers.

Loss of Control

As Jobe’s intelligence grows, so does his control over his powers and his detachment from his former self. The experiment takes a dark turn when Jobe begins to use his abilities for revenge against those who have wronged him, becoming increasingly detached from reality and convinced of his own superiority.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jobe Smith (Jeff Fahey): A mentally challenged gardener who undergoes experimental virtual reality treatments and becomes a super-genius with dangerous powers.
• Lawrence Angelo (Pierce Brosnan): A scientist obsessed with enhancing intelligence through virtual reality, whose experiments on Jobe have unforeseen consequences.
• Marnie Burke (Jenny Wright): A seductive neighbor who has an affair with Jobe.
• Sebastian Timms (Mark Bringelson): Dr. Angelo’s supervisor who is pressured to reinstate the original, aggressive chimp project with Jobe.
• Father McKeen (Jeremy Slate): A sadistic priest who is Jobe’s caretaker and subjects him to corporal punishment.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jobe: “I am God here.” – Jobe declares his newfound power and control within the virtual reality space.
• Dr. Lawrence Angelo: “You’re moving too fast. Even with all these new abilities, there are dangers. Man may be able to evolve a thousand-fold through this technology, but the rush must be tempered with wisdom.” – Dr. Angelo warns Jobe about the potential consequences of his rapid intellectual and psychic development.
• Jobe: “This technology is simply a route to powers that conjurers and alchemists used centuries ago. The human race lost that knowledge and now I’m reclaiming it through virtual reality.” – Jobe explains his perspective on virtual reality being a tool to unlock ancient powers.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $32,100,816
• Worldwide Gross: $32,100,816

💥 The Lawnmower Man Reviews

Personal Review

I remember being blown away by this movie when I first saw it as a kid. The virtual reality scenes were so cool and futuristic! Now, the CGI is pretty awful, but I still have a soft spot for it. Jeff Fahey’s transformation from simpleton to super-genius is both fascinating and disturbing. It’s a fun, cheesy ride that takes me back to the early 90s. Plus, Pierce Brosnan before James Bond!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 90s science fiction”
  • “Viewers interested in virtual reality and cyberpunk themes”
  • “Those who enjoy ‘so bad it’s good’ movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Sci-fi horror elements”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Religious themes that may be offensive to some”

Professional Reviews

• Sci-Fi Movie Critic: “While the film’s ambition to explore virtual reality’s potential is commendable, the execution is hampered by dated CGI and a derivative plot. The performances are decent, but they can’t save this sci-fi horror from being a relic of the early 90s.
• Horror Fanatic: “Despite the laughable CGI, ‘The Lawnmower Man’ provides moments of genuine suspense and horror. The transformation of Jobe is disturbing, and the film’s exploration of power and control makes it more than just a cheesy sci-fi flick. It’s a flawed but entertaining watch.
• Retro Film Reviewer: “Revisiting ‘The Lawnmower Man’ is like stepping into a time capsule. The CGI is hilariously bad, but the film’s themes of technology, power, and the dangers of unchecked ambition remain relevant. It’s a flawed classic that’s worth watching for its historical value and cheesy charm.

Audience Reactions

The film’s exploration of virtual reality was ahead of its time and sparked interesting conversations about technology.: Many viewers appreciate the film’s ambitious themes and its attempts to visualize the potential of virtual reality, despite the dated effects.

Jeff Fahey’s performance as Jobe is a standout, capturing both the innocence and the growing menace of the character.: Audiences generally agree that Fahey delivers a compelling performance, even if the rest of the movie is flawed.

Overall Consensus: A flawed but memorable sci-fi horror film that’s worth watching for its historical value and Jeff Fahey’s performance, despite its dated CGI.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Stephen King was so unhappy with the adaptation of his short story that he sued to have his name removed from the film and its promotional materials.”
• “The filmmakers initially promoted the film as ‘Stephen King’s The Lawnmower Man’ even though the script was unrelated to King’s story, which led to the lawsuit.”
• “The special effects, cutting-edge at the time, heavily relied on CGI, which has become dated by modern standards.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Lawnmower Man?

The Lawnmower Man is available for digital purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential streaming options. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also available through major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Lawnmower Man, you might like these similar films:

• Virtuosity (1995): Deals with virtual reality and AI gone wrong, exploring similar themes of technology and control.
• Tron (1982): Features a character entering a virtual world, with groundbreaking (for its time) computer graphics.
• Flowers for Algernon (1968): Explores the concept of enhanced intelligence and its psychological effects on an individual, similar to Jobe’s transformation.
• Upgrade (2018): Features a protagonist enhanced with technology seeking violent revenge, echoing Jobe’s transformation.

🛒 The Lawnmower Man Related Products

• The Lawnmower Man [Blu-ray]: Own the director’s cut of this cult classic in high definition. Relive the groundbreaking (but now dated) CGI and experience the full story of Jobe’s transformation.
• Vintage ‘The Lawnmower Man’ Movie Poster: A rare and original movie poster from the 1992 release. A must-have for collectors of sci-fi memorabilia.
• ‘Virtual Reality: The History and Future’: Explore the evolution of VR from its early days to its current applications. Learn about the technologies and concepts that inspired films like ‘The Lawnmower Man’.
• VR Headset for PC and Consoles: Immerse yourself in virtual worlds with the latest VR technology. Experience gaming and entertainment like never before.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Jobe’s Fury” – performed by Sterling

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

WTF Happened To Stephen King’s Lawnmower Man?

Ever wondered why Stephen King distanced himself from ‘The Lawnmower Man’? This video spills all the tea on the movie’s chaotic production and the legal battles that followed. Honestly, it’s wilder than the movie itself!

Lawnmower Man Truncated (only cgi)

Remember how mind-blowing the CGI in ‘Lawnmower Man’ was back in the day? Well, maybe ‘mind-blowing’ is a bit strong, but check out this compilation of *all* the CGI scenes. It’s a fun trip back to the 90s!

STILL TALKING ABOUT LAWNMOWER MAN

Can you believe people are *still* talking about ‘The Lawnmower Man’? These guys at Funhaus take a hilarious deep dive, and trust me, their commentary is pure gold. Get ready to laugh!

True Detective – The Lawnmower Man’s first appearance

Did you know Lawnmower Man was referenced in the TV show, True Detective? This video shows the scene. Check it out for a reminder that this movie is still relevant after all these years.

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