Virtual Combat (1995)

AKA Grid Runners.

Don "The Dragon" Wilson - World Kickboxing Champion!

Though do they really need to include the title thing in the intro? To prove he has merit to be in this movie, even if the fight choreography's slow and lackluster - more theatrical than real, cool vocal effects though the villain may have?

I get that they try to make it like a game, and they do manage that effect, but the choreography's unfortunately what you'd expect of a movie from this time too. Or earlier. Think Eighties.

It's atmospheric for sure, and sexy sometimes, and ahead of its time... yet I'm not surprised this isn't a cult classic at this point.

Just look at that helicopter explosion, or the head thing, or a lot of things. Some they do surprisingly well, like the body transformations - Anamorph style, and the fires, and Dante, and the backdrops with the initial fights.

The sexy scenes too...

Overall though? Oh man.

Were it not for the villain - or for the girl - this wouldn't be all as worth watching. It feels aged for its time. But still... it is futuristic. In an aged albeit awesomely Eighties kind of way.

It ain't all bad after all... the soundtrack's good too.

They really build the mood.

 rated 3.5/5: not bad at all