This was a difficult movie for me to rate. First of all, I usually enjoy films with Sherilynn Fenn because she adds a unique quality to movies with her beauty and youthful charm. Throw in David Carradine and any movie would probably be somewhat successful. Additionally, I really enjoy films of an apocalyptic science-fiction nature. Unfortunately, things just didn't seem to click for me in this one. While Sherilynn Fenn (as "Helen") certainly did her job well enough I don't think David Carradine ("Jason") was used as extensively as he should have been. Additionally, Peter Nelson ("Bone") seemed more like a supporting actor than someone in the lead male role. Along with that I didn't care for the performance of Michael Shaner ("Creon") at all. Likewise, the sets were extremely cheap looking and the action was kind of boring. Granted this was a Roger Cormen film and low-budget productions are his specialty. But it didn't seem to work in this particular case. That said, I rate the film as slightly below average.

In yet another bleak and depressing depiction of the future (this time as a post-plague, post-World War III, perpetually dark and desolate wasteland run by strict authoritarian "1984"ish Big Brother types), young lovers Bone (a solid and engaging portrayal by the handsome Peter Nelson) and Helen (a winningly fiery'n'feisty turn by the sexy Sherilyn Fenn) are hired by crafty rich guy Jason (a really amusing and entertaining David Carradine) to pull off a few heists. When Jason doesn't live up to his side of the bargain Bone and Helen become wanted on the lam fugitives ala Bonnie and Clyde. Luis Llosa's capable, energetic direction (Llosa went on to helm the trashy Sly Stallone vehicle "The Specialist" and the delightfully hokey giant killer snake hoot "Anaconda"), Daryl Haney's witty, profane script, Rick Conrad's rousing synthesizer score, and fine supporting performances by Michael Shaner as Bone's obnoxious brother Creon, Orlando Sacha as amiable old-timer Alexi and Robert Englund lookalike Don Manor as petty crook J.D. all ensure that "Crime Zone" makes the grade as a lively, exciting and overall above average sci-fi action romp.

Well, what can I say? I have seen a lot of low budget, poorly produced sci-fi and horror flicks, and I *usually* can find something of value in them, but this movie from 1988 is by far one of the worst. Crime Zone makes Albert Pyun's Cyborg look like a masterpiece. Let's see....where to start.....the lighting, props, costumes and effects are REALLY poor. I mean, people aren't stupid, it's obviously a bb gun Helen carries around through the last half of the film. I think I saw the same gun at Wal*mart last week. I don't even want to discuss the plot let alone the acting. I don't know how David Carradine got mixed up in this film, because the other actors are quite lame. I guess Sherilyn Fenn is OK, but Peter Nelson and Michael Shaner are REALLY lame, I think even I could act better. Lets not forget about the score. My god, it sounds like it was made with a Toys 'R' Us kids Casio keyboard. I gave the movie a 3/10 because some company actually had the balls to release this p.o.s.. Now I know why it hasn't been released on DVD yet. Maybe Criterion should put out a special collector's edition of it! Haha. I think I even liked Troll 2 better, and that is really freakin sad....

This video was (literally) collecting dust on the shelf of the store where I work. I dusted it off & took it home to watch, hoping it might be either a) a cheesy and unintentionally hilarious grade z flick or maybe b)an undiscovered sci-fi classic. It certainly wasn't a) and I'm beginning to suspect it might be quite close to being b). Peter Nelson (v.good, and broodingly handsome) and Sherilyn Fenn (also great) had real chemistry as the lovers in Soliel, the repressive 1984-style society, and the action sequences were genuinely thrilling. Pity about the hammy support by Michael Shaner, but it doesn't undermine the rest of the movie. If you like Blade Runner and 1984, give this film a chance.