Review of Universal Soldier: Regeneration (2010) by Stefano L — 23 Aug 2010

I liked the original 'Universal Soldier' a lot. Most of you who know me a bit, know that I'm secretly a fan of Dolph Lundgren. There's just something about him. He stole the show in that movie and while it was a some kind of hit it was inevitable that the story would continue at some point. Two very bad direct-to-video sequels were made, none of 'em starring Van Damme or Lundgren. Then a third sequel was made starring Van Damme and it was also of very low standards. Now at the time of all these remakes and reboots, 'Universal Soldier: Regeneration' was made but it feels as if no one knew about it. This film stars the same cult action movie stars as in the original! Lundgren is back but can he spare the victims ears in this one?

A group of terrorists have taken over the power plant in Chernobyl, Ukraine. Their demands are simple: free 227 political prisoners and give freedom to Pasalan (a made up government) or they will blow up the abandoned reactors, making Chernobyl the largest dirty bomb ever. And while they're at it, they'll also kill the Russian president's two children that they've taken hostage.

Luc Deveraux (Van Damme), who has tried to find his humanity all over again by the help of his own doctor, is once again called for. His job is to secure the bomb and rescue the kids. This time he is facing a more advanced Universal Soldier, code-named NGU. Has he got what it takes and oh yeah... What's Andrew Scott (Lundgren) doing in the picture?

'Universal Soldier: Regenaration' is a low budget movie and that can be seen so clearly. Like so many other similar movies, this fifth installment to the series was shot in Eastern parts of Europe for cheaper costs. There are so many things that bothered me in this movie and I'm sure that a lot of you would feel the same. Some explanations are as followed...

The action, especially the one with the U.S soldiers doing their operations is below any standards. It feels as if the crew had taken any random guy from the streets of Bulgaria and asked them if they want a part in a movie. There's like no authentic military procedures in the movie. None. The close combat scenes are a bit better but there's no wow factor here.

The use of anticipated characters. I chose to watch this movie because of Dolph Lundgren and Jean Claude Van Damme. I mean, the cover shows 'em both highlighted at the center. The screentime that the both get is so little that it left me very disappointed. Van Damme is the key character in the movie but he is basically shown at the beginning and in the end. Lundgren's main purpose here is to just give Van Damme an ass-whoopin'. Why? Why haven't they written this film entirely with a focus on these two figures? Ok, there's some questions answered at the end but I felt robbed.

'Universal Soldier: Regeneration' was also called 'New Beginning' at some point. So it is. There's no question about that this is not the last time that we will se these über soldiers in action. But I wanted Lundgren and.. well I got to see him but I wanted more, dammit! For those who are seeking closure to the series as they want it (before they fuck up the series again), 'Regeneration' comes recommended but ye be warned... You'll not be satisfied.