Trancers Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A future cop goes back in time to punch zombies, but mostly complains about 80s fashion.

🍿 Trancers: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Future Los Angeles and the Hunt for Whistler

In the year 2247, Los Angeles, now known as Angel City, is a grim metropolis. Jack Deth, a dedicated “trooper,” relentlessly hunts down “Trancers,” victims of the psychic villain Whistler, who turns weak-minded individuals into zombie-like killers. Deth’s obsession stems from Whistler’s past crimes, making the hunt deeply personal.

Time Travel to 1985

Whistler escapes into the past using a unique form of time travel: inhabiting the body of his ancestor. His goal is to eliminate the ancestors of the ruling council, effectively erasing them from the future. Deth is tasked with following Whistler back to 1985 to prevent this catastrophic act.

Adapting to the Past and Partnering with Leena

Deth finds himself in the body of Phil Deth, a journalist. He quickly encounters Leena, a spirited punk rocker, and enlists her help to navigate the unfamiliar 1980s. Together, they must track down Whistler and protect the ancestors targeted by the villain.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jack Deth (Tim Thomerson): A hardened cop from the future, Jack Deth travels to 1980s Los Angeles to stop the evil Whistler and his trancers.
• Whistler (Michael Stefani): A twisted criminal with psychic powers, Whistler can turn people into zombie-like ‘trancers’ and seeks to control the future by altering the past.
• Leena (Helen Hunt): A spunky and resourceful 1980s punk rocker, Leena assists Jack Deth in his mission.
• McNulty (Art LaFleur): McNulty is Jack Deth’s superior in the future, assigning him the mission to travel back in time.
• Hap Ashby (Biff Manard): A former baseball player turned skid row bum, Hap Ashby is a key figure whose survival is vital to the future.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jack Deth: “Dry hair’s for squids.” – Jack Deth says this after using hair gel, establishing his distinct, tough-guy persona.
• Jack Deth: “Rules are for jokers.” – Demonstrates Jack Deth’s rebellious nature and disregard for authority.
• Jack Deth: “I came from another time, another world. I don’t even know what you people eat for lunch.” – Jack Deth expresses his confusion and culture shock upon arriving in 1980s Los Angeles.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $400,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Trancers Reviews

Personal Review

Trancers is a blast from the past! I first watched it late at night on cable. Tim Thomerson’s Jack Deth is the ultimate B-movie hero, and Helen Hunt adds a ton of charm. It’s cheesy, sure, but in the best way. The disco scene is an all-time favorite.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of B-movies”
  • “Sci-fi enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who enjoy time travel stories”
  • “Those who appreciate 80s aesthetics”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• JoBlo.com: “Trancers is a charmingly trashy blend of sci-fi and detective genres. The wisecracking antics of Tim Thomerson, combined with the imaginative premise, make it an entertaining B-movie experience. While it may borrow elements from ‘Blade Runner’ and ‘The Terminator,’ it stands out with its tongue-in-cheek humor and engaging performances.
• N/A: “Probably among the best B-Movies of all time! When one thinks of a B-Movie, one thinks of low-budget, awfully SFX, bad actors, and plots that border idiocy. Well, this little underrated gem surely will erase any preconception you have about it as soon as it starts. Starring Helen Hunt in one of her first roles, this movie has turned into one of the most popular cult movies, and helped to establish Charles Band as a figure in the genre.
• N/A: “The movie is short (76 minutes), and things move pretty quickly; plot isn’t so much of a focus as a annoying gnat that appears from time to time. But for being so short, the characters are pretty well developed – and one huge bonus is that Deth isn’t an no necked, shoot-first idiot, as renegade cops are often portrayed. Trancers is original, often-funny sci-fi cheese. It’s great to see Thomerson and Hunt – especially Hunt, who looks great.

Audience Reactions

Tim Thomerson’s performance as Jack Deth makes this movie so enjoyable to watch.: Viewers widely appreciate the film’s blend of sci-fi, action, and humor and it’s quotable lines.

Overall Consensus: A cult classic that offers a fun, low-budget blend of sci-fi, action, and humor, making it a worthwhile watch for B-movie enthusiasts.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The concept of ‘Trancers’ came about when Charles Band wanted to combine elements of film noir with science fiction.”
• “The ‘long second’ effect was achieved through simple but effective slow-motion photography.”
• “Helen Hunt’s role in ‘Trancers’ was one of her early prominent roles before achieving mainstream success.”
• “Biff Manard, who played Hap Ashby, was reportedly actually drunk during filming, leading to some improvisation by Tim Thomerson.”
• “The film’s low budget forced the filmmakers to get creative with special effects and locations, using practical effects and existing locations to create the futuristic and 1980s settings.”

🖥️ How to Watch Trancers?

As of today, “Trancers” can be streamed on Hulu and Tubi. It is available for purchase or rent on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming platform for availability, as options may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• The Terminator (1984): Features a similar time travel plot where a character is sent from the future to protect someone from a threat.
• Blade Runner (1982): Shares a film noir aesthetic and dystopian future setting with a protagonist hunting down rogue entities.
• Timecop (1994): Another action film involving time travel, where a cop travels through time to stop criminals.
• They Live (1988): Has a similar theme of uncovering a hidden reality and fighting against mind control, wrapped in a B-movie aesthetic.

🛒 Trancers Related Products

• Trancers: City of Lost Angels (Full Moon Comix): Continue the adventures of Jack Deth in this digital comic series. Explore new cases, encounter familiar faces, and delve deeper into the Trancer universe.
• Tim Thomerson Autographed Photo: Own a piece of Trancers history with a signed photograph of Tim Thomerson as Jack Deth, professionally printed and authenticated.
• Trancers: The Ultimate Collection (DVD Box Set): Relive the entire saga with this collection. It will be hours of fun
• Jack Deth ‘Long Second’ Watch Replica: Own a replica of the iconic wristwatch that Jack Deth uses to slow down time. A conversation starter and display piece.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Jingle Bells” – performed by The Buttheads

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

11 Hidden B-Movie Gems That Are Better Than The Big Budget Films

Ever feel like those big-budget flicks are all flash and no substance? This video spotlights some amazing B-movies, including ‘Trancers’, that totally punch above their weight. Honestly, some of these are way more creative and fun than anything Hollywood’s putting out these days!

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