Review of Trancers 4: Jack of Swords (1994) by Phil M — 27 Jan 2010

Trancers 4: Jack of Swords has Jack Deth (Tim Thomerson still) as a full-fledged time-traveling cop, working to restore the balance of time. His work got in the way of his marriage to Lena, which ended their relationship in the previous film, and now his work has ended the chance for his to rekindle a relationship with his first wife Allison, now with Harris (returning Stephen Macht).

Somewhat depressed, Deth isn't able to stay in that mode for too long as an attack by an alien during time traveling causing destruction and throws Deth into another dimension where it's medieval times and the Trancers control all power, as they are able to suck the lifeforce out of humans.

Naturally, Deth goes into kickass mode and starts taking them out, with the humans backing him up. This film was made back-t0-back with part 5, which could have just served as one long Trancers movie, but where's the fun in that.

Other than Thomerson, and a brief appearance from a young Lochlyn Monro (Freddy vs. Jason), the cast is pretty much comprised of small time Full Moon movie regulars and generic Romanian extras. The film passes on futuristic action in favor of sword and sorcery and a large abundance of humor.

The iconic 10 second watch weapon now gives off an adverse effect that comes off as both corny and hilarious at the same time, which after watching that, I can now see Thomerson as a former stand-up comic (which he used to do before films).

It's still fun and definitely campy, but in a humorous sense. Don't look for major sci-fi action like the first 3 had anymore.