Audience Member
In the 2050s, extensive ecological damage has resulted in largely lawless areas that are controlled by mutant raiders. Harry Stark (Michael Ironside), an ex-cop who now works as a bounty hunter in the wastelands, saves a woman from mutant outlaws. After she pulls a knife on him, he knocks her unconscious and brings her back to town for her bounty. Captain Raymond, Stark's former commanding officer, tells him that the woman, Reno (Vanity), must be brought to Neon City to collect his payment. Raymond requests that Stark ride shotgun on a transport that is going to Neon City, but he refuses. When Stark's truck blows up, Raymond claims it to be an act of terrorism by mutants. Stark attacks Raymond, only to be knocked unconscious and placed on the transport with Reno. On board the transport are Bulk (Lyle Alzado), a former friend and ex-cop whom Stark once arrested; Tom, a serial killer who pretends to be a doctor; Dickie Devine, a clown; Sandy, Stark's ex-wife; Twink, the sheltered daughter of an influential Neon City politician; and Wing, an old man who keeps to himself. Before they leave, Raymond gives them the opportunity to receive a refund and stay behind, as mutant activity along the road has been excessive; all elect to remain. Along they way, the travelers deal with passing though radioactive Xander clouds, 150F degrees of "brights", unstable paved roads, and nomadic motorcycle riders who kill anyone venturing though their territory. During the journey, some passengers turn out to not be what they initially said they were...
Reviews compared it to John Ford's Stagecoach. TV Guide rated it 2/4 stars and wrote, "Neon City is far from the worst Road Warrior rerun ever, although that's truly faint praise."
"Neon City" is a Mad Max-clone that is "ok" despite being a pretty poor and average sci-fi B-Movie. However, the film is clichéd in many ways, unoriginal and the script is stretched out in my opinion. Television writer Ann Lewis Hamilton wrote the script for "Neon City" as an update to John Ford's Stagecoach, set in a post-apocalyptic world inspired by Mad Max. Having had difficulty with sexism in the past, she used a masculine pseudonym, Buck Finch, to sell the script. The protagonist was originally a woman, but the producers cast Ironside as the lead. To be totally honest I only watched "Neon City" for Vanity´s sake.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
02/21/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Perilous journey by road for a group of travellers headed for Neon City. Much like a post-nuclear film only this one sees the Earth's demise from the deterioration of the ozone layer (is that still a problem?). Frankly I expected more from a Michael Ironside and Lyle Alzado collaboration.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
02/13/23
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Audience Member
Bounty Hunter transports fugitive across jurisdictions in desolate and bleak future. Biggest draw here is the superstar cast featuring Michael Ironside, Vanity, Lyle Alzado and even a role for WKRP's Les Nesman. One of those direct-to-video numbers that littered the video store shelves in the early 90s; this one seemed to make an honest attempt to rise above its overly familiar plot. Fans of Michael Ironside should check it out. Sadly, this was Alzado's last film.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
02/24/23
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Audience Member
Vanity is fantastic (as usual) in this one, but she's really the only reason to watch this...
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
02/26/23
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Audience Member
Not bad post-apocalyptic flick. It's no "Mad Max" or "Escape from New York", but it's far better than say "Hell Comes to Frogtown". It's must see viewing for Michael Ironside fans, since this is the only film I can think of where he plays the hero. The story is essentially "Stagecoach" set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland (kind of like what Patrick Swayze did with "Shane" in his not all that horrible "Steel Dawn").
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
01/31/23
Full Review
Audience Member
For what it's worth, the movie isn't too bad...if you take it for what it is. The cast of characters are interesting, and there is plenty going on. I'm also a sucker for Post-Apocalypse films. :D
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
02/21/23
Full Review
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