Review of Fortress (1992) by Alex R — 19 Apr 2013

Stuart Gordon, who has made some stunning horror films in the 1980's, directs this futuristic prison film starring Highlander actor Christopher Lambert. In the future a corporation controls an underground prison.

A prisoner gets sent to the prison after having a second child, as it is illegal in the future. Effectively directed by Gordon, this is a fun, and entertaining film that is good, but does leaves a lot to be desired.

The cast is comprised of well known B movie actors, and though it never is anything great, you can appreciate the concept behind the plot. The gore effects are very well done, but where the film lacks in some of the performances.

Kurtwood Smith is probably the best actor on-screen, and he gives the best performance. The ingredients for a great film are here, but you clearly see that some ideas don't work. I would say that this is a good film to watch, but it does fall short of what it could have been.

Stuart Gordon is a talented director and he manages to make Fortress work due to its concept. If the film would have been rewritten slightly, the film would have been better. It's worth watching, but after you finish the film, you want more out of it considering the concept, which is awesome, but due to budget constraints and a so-so script it never quite takes off like it should have.

I enjoyed the film; this isn't one Gordon's best either. As a whole, Fortress is entertaining, but is not a classic by any means.