Venus Rising Movie Review

After a rocky start, this one wobbles along for 90 minutes and collapses at a weak conclusion. Although it's technically sf, the film lacks special effects or a strong vision of the near future (in this case Hawaii). It also lacks a decent plot and interesting characters. Toss in continuity mistakes, a non-exploitative approach to what might have been pure exploitation, and you've got a real mess. In the early 21st century, Eve (Audie England) escapes from a prison island and tries to make a place for herself in an amorphously authoritarian society. Billy Wirth is the ex-con who's hired to capture her. Another escapee, a murder, a suicide, and some cliched virtual reality stuff fill out the running time. Be forewarned – Morgan Fairchild's role is very small.

1995 (R) 91m/C Audie England, Costas Mandylor, Billy Wirth, Morgan Fairchild; D: Leora Barish; W: Leora Barish. VHS COL