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Christopher Lambert, Loryn Locklin, Kurtwood Smith, Lincoln Kilpatrick, Clifton Collins Jr. ... see more see more... , Jeffrey Combs , Tom Towles , Vernon Wells , Peter Marshall , Carolyn Purdy-Gordon , Eric Briant Wells , Michael Simpson , David Bradshaw , Terence Donovan , Sean Garlick , Marc Gray , Peter Hehir , Robin Mason , Rebecca Rigg , Rachel Ward , Nick Waters , Beth Buchanan , Wendy Playfair , Elaine Cusick , Ray Chubb , Roger Stephen , Laurie Moran , Asher Keddie , Bradley Meehan , Anna Crawford , Richard Terrill , Ed Turley

Elements of Orwellian science-fiction and old-fashioned prison dramas are combined in this futuristic action film, as an unjustly imprisoned couple attempts to escape from a high-tech jail known as Th... read more read more...e Fortress. The Fortress is the tool of a repressive government, an imposing, computerized hell, featuring lasers for cell bars, robot guards, computerized brainwashing, and the like. Still, some things never change, including the presence of an evil warden, who harasses the pretty wife while her husband frantically searches for a way out. The special effects and design work are effective, particularly in comparison to the film's modest budget, but the story will undoubtedly seem disappointingly predictable to many viewers. Nevertheless, the film's blend of competent (if unoriginal) action and technology proved enough of a draw to make the film a financial success internationally, though it received little notice in the United States. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

Flixster Users

40% liked it

9,710 ratings

Critics

40% liked it

15 critics

R, 1 hr. 29 min.

Directed by: Stuart Gordon

Release Date: September 3, 1993

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DVD Release Date: February 20, 2001

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Stats: 385 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (385)

  • adammahler1
    March 19, 2011
    adammahler1
    Gordon wanted to do this back in the day with Schwarzenegger. If the script was the same back then, I have no idea why. There are a couple interesting technological ideas in this vision of a dystopia that are not developed anywhere, and left badly portrayed with poor effects -- a... read more lot more stuff looks like clunky plastic than usual.

    I can't stand Lambert in English. I haven't seen him in a Francophone movie yet. His performance seems to sum up Gordon and his colleagues' throwing in the towel for camp and stupid fun, and they didn't even get that. The best shots tilt up and down the vertical space that is the center axis of the underground prison, lined with elevators and ventilation fans -- a very good model that doesn't look like one.
  • animegirlaya
    November 6, 2010
    animegirlaya
    Directed by Stuart Gordon and staring Christopher Lambert, Kurtwood Smith and Jeffrey combs.

    Normally I don't take a likening into action movies but fortress is one of my all time favorites as well as film. I guess if I chose any type of action films I like the Australian ones... read more are really good Romper stomper is one of my favorites.

    Set in Australia in 2018 the world is heavily overpopulated and the new law is 1 child to every man and women if you break this rule or any rule you are sent to fortress a massive underground prison that is deemed inescapable. They deprive you of time sleeping and your own mind. John Henry an ex marine is sent there for trying to have another child because they first one died his only focus is to get out alive.

    My favorite part about the movie is the story it is very interesting to watch. It may seem like another sci-fi film but give it the chance and it gives you a whole lot more.

    95% for story it gives you more then most action movies the true negative thing about it is some scenes can be very lengthy.

    90% for acting I haven't seen highlander yet with Christopher Lamberto but with his great performances in this I will easily give it a go. And as for the rest they were great as well.

    100% for special effects there amazing showing a very dark future that were living in and I have to say for nearly 20 years ago they look better then today.

    65% for characters most of them that are in fortress we meet but truth is there's not back story of them or why they were in there.

    90% for everything else it has some really great fight scenes as well as some amazing action scenes and some fantastically done sets.

    I have to put fortress as one of my favorite action movies or my favorite action more and it is really recommended.

    Keiko's score 97% (still gets a 100% though)
  • ythelastman89
    September 16, 2010
    ythelastman89
    Exactly what you'd expect in a movie where Christopher Lambert breaks out of prison. It's set in a futuristic prison so right off the bat it's completely bonkers. Then there's the rape subplot, indigestion bombs, Jeffrey Combs as a hippie with coke bottle glasses, cyborgs, etc. I... read moret's a lot like Shawshank, only way more outrageous and centered around Christopher Lambert's warped mind. The torture scene where he gets spun around and left for a vegetable is worth the movie alone.
  • SirPant
    September 15, 2009
    SirPant
    Fortress has a cult cast to die for. It's probably the last great B-movie. I love it!
  • SarahG1988
    October 7, 2007
    SarahG1988
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    In a futuristic USA, it's forbidden to give birth to more than one child for each woman. ... read moreAs usual, you can escape to Mexico to avoid the authorities in USA, which is exactly what John and Karen Brennick were trying to do when Karen is pregnant with her second child (their first child was born dead). When they think they have made it they are discovered and put to prison (for 31 years), a modern prison called the "Fortress" where the prisoners are controlled by lasers, neutron-cannons, cameras, mind-scanners and electronic pain-causing devices in their stomachs. With those odds, John still plans to escape with his wife.

    Now i don't normally stumble across B films as they just don't appeal to me. I came across this film a few months ago and sat all the way through, for no particular reason. I was intrigued and thought I should try and different film.

    It's not the best film that you're going to see. For a start the fascist concept is a little fare-fetched all the acting is terrible, script is diabolical, the direction is pathetic but I sat through it despite this. The direction, acting was funny to watch as it was so bad.

    Overall, a pretty lame film....but one that's so bad you want to sit though and see what's going to happen next.


    Again I don't know why I watched this.
  • garyX
    March 6, 2007
    garyX
    Typical of the kind of dumb sci-fi B-movie that became the staple of Christopher Lambert's career, this daft and tacky prison yarn gets increasingly ridiculous as it goes (it ends up with them being stalked by an intelligent lorry...?!)
  • deano
    November 13, 2006
    deano
    Great high-tech in the futuristic action of prison.
  • husky10000years
    February 8, 2008
    husky10000years
    Very good movie. Great high-tech in the futuristic action of prison. One of those great Christopher Lambert B Movies. Good try for Stuart Gordon for a Sci-Fi Action film.
  • ileo
    November 6, 2007
    ileo
    Good movie!
  • sayers1977
    October 6, 2007
    sayers1977
    The sort of film (like 'Under Siege') that my dad loves and so have fond memories of. Lambert is the same as every other film he's ever done (maybe apart from 'Greystoke') but it's mindless fun.

View All Fortress Reviews

Critic Reviews

Clint Morris
March 11, 2005
Clint Morris, Moviehole

An action-packed sci-fi treat

Luke Y. Thompson
May 14, 2004
Luke Y. Thompson, New Times

The perfect confluence of prison movie, R-rated sci-fi, Stuart Gordon, and Christopher Lambert. I couldn't ask for much more.

Daniel M. Kimmel
January 30, 2004
Daniel M. Kimmel, Worcester Telegram & Gazette

(No quote available.)

Rob Vaux
September 6, 2002
Rob Vaux, Flipside Movie Emporium

It treats its audience with open sadism, and offers nothing to compensate us for our pain.

Ken Hanke
July 30, 2002
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Stuart Gordon pulls off some of this, but Re-Animator it ain't

Scott Weinberg
July 26, 2002
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com

Stuart Gordon makes Christopher Lambert tolerable in this surprisingly exciting sci-fi actioner.

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Stephen Holden
May 20, 2003
Stephen Holden, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Richard Harrington
January 1, 2000
Richard Harrington, Washington Post

Click to read the article Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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