An agreeably stark and rough post-apocalyptic little Sci-fi b-grade film by Roger Corman's Concorde productions, which depicts a neon-glazed future where citizens are put into categories as they carry out daily routines, are run by strict rules (like state-sanctioned sexual activities), cameras watch their every move, the rich extend their existence in the Garden of hibernation and they're governed by a power-hungry state where a mighty police force keeps order. This follows two young love-birds going against the trend, by taking up an offer by a stranger to steal some important computer chip where in doing be free of the strangling reign of the dead-end zone. But things don't go to plan, where they are caught up in a web of murder, mystery and intrigue. So now they are on the run. This is what you can call an grimly futuristic twist to Bonnie and Clyde in a post-world war three society. Quite formulaic, but it does offer up an ambitious surprise or two with its sharply written, if elaborate screenplay. Director Luis Llosa remarkably keeps a fast tempo, delivering impulsively edgy action sequences, efficiently workable special effects and getting atmospheric vigour out of the smoky low-rent sets. They do look dingy, but it brings an authenticity about its war-torn decay. An arrestingly foreboding synthesizer score only adds to the steamy humidity. The performances are quite impressive. Peter Nelson is ably good with a very delectable Sherilyn Fenn as the young on-the-run couple Bone and Helen who are dreaming of a better life and to get that the rules are to be broken. Because they wouldn't kiss ass. The collectedly smooth David Carradine (who also was one of the associate producers) goes about his business in a very cunning manner. Then there's durable support by Michael Shaner and Orlando Sacha. By-the-way kick-ass cover artwork too."No way. We're going out in style."

In yet another bleak and depressing depiction of the future (this time as a post-plague, post-World War III, perpetually dark and desolate wasteland run by strict authoritarian "1984"ish Big Brother types), young lovers Bone (a solid and engaging portrayal by the handsome Peter Nelson) and Helen (a winningly fiery'n'feisty turn by the sexy Sherilyn Fenn) are hired by crafty rich guy Jason (a really amusing and entertaining David Carradine) to pull off a few heists. When Jason doesn't live up to his side of the bargain Bone and Helen become wanted on the lam fugitives ala Bonnie and Clyde. Luis Llosa's capable, energetic direction (Llosa went on to helm the trashy Sly Stallone vehicle "The Specialist" and the delightfully hokey giant killer snake hoot "Anaconda"), Daryl Haney's witty, profane script, Rick Conrad's rousing synthesizer score, and fine supporting performances by Michael Shaner as Bone's obnoxious brother Creon, Orlando Sacha as amiable old-timer Alexi and Robert Englund lookalike Don Manor as petty crook J.D. all ensure that "Crime Zone" makes the grade as a lively, exciting and overall above average sci-fi action romp.

Well, what can I say? I have seen a lot of low budget, poorly produced sci-fi and horror flicks, and I *usually* can find something of value in them, but this movie from 1988 is by far one of the worst. Crime Zone makes Albert Pyun's Cyborg look like a masterpiece. Let's see....where to start.....the lighting, props, costumes and effects are REALLY poor. I mean, people aren't stupid, it's obviously a bb gun Helen carries around through the last half of the film. I think I saw the same gun at Wal*mart last week. I don't even want to discuss the plot let alone the acting. I don't know how David Carradine got mixed up in this film, because the other actors are quite lame. I guess Sherilyn Fenn is OK, but Peter Nelson and Michael Shaner are REALLY lame, I think even I could act better. Lets not forget about the score. My god, it sounds like it was made with a Toys 'R' Us kids Casio keyboard. I gave the movie a 3/10 because some company actually had the balls to release this p.o.s.. Now I know why it hasn't been released on DVD yet. Maybe Criterion should put out a special collector's edition of it! Haha. I think I even liked Troll 2 better, and that is really freakin sad....

This video was (literally) collecting dust on the shelf of the store where I work. I dusted it off & took it home to watch, hoping it might be either a) a cheesy and unintentionally hilarious grade z flick or maybe b)an undiscovered sci-fi classic. It certainly wasn't a) and I'm beginning to suspect it might be quite close to being b). Peter Nelson (v.good, and broodingly handsome) and Sherilyn Fenn (also great) had real chemistry as the lovers in Soliel, the repressive 1984-style society, and the action sequences were genuinely thrilling. Pity about the hammy support by Michael Shaner, but it doesn't undermine the rest of the movie. If you like Blade Runner and 1984, give this film a chance.