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Laramie Movie Scope:
Virtuosity

A thriller in virtual reality

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by Robert Roten, Film Critic
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August 8, 1995 -- ``Virtuosity'' is the latest summer action film in Laramie. It has just enough high technology and a few extra plot twists to push it one notch above the average.

The film, starring Denzel Washington as Parker Barnes, a cop wrongly imprisoned who volunteers to participate in an experimental virtual reality police training program.

Barnes is pitted, in computer-generated reality, against a super villain named Sid 6.7 (played by Russell Crowe) who is programmed with the personalities of 200 murderers, including Charles Manson and a man who killed Barnes' family. Barnes proves to be Sid's best opponent.

A mad programmer decides to bring Sid to life by putting the computer personality into a high-tech android body. Sid goes on a rampage of destruction, prompting authorities to offer Barnes a full pardon if he can bring the killer to justice.

The plot is very similar to ``Demolition Man'' and a number of other movies such as ``Die Hard III,'' in which the disgraced cop is given another chance to redeem himself.

This high-energy thriller has some high-tech tricks up its sleeve, however. For one thing the killer has the ability to regenerate its damaged silicon parts by using ordinary glass as a construction material. Sid is also able to exceed the total of his programming, quickly evolving a new personality.

The battle between the cop and the android goes pretty much as expected (no problem is so great it can't be solved by the use of more bullets or a bigger gun) up until the last reel. That's where the plot twists come into play, resulting in an additional cliffhanger or two.

Another character, Madison Carter, played by Kelly Lynch, seems to be included in the plot for no particular reason, except to be put in harm's way. Washington is effective as the reluctant action hero, and Crowe is good as the evil android.

The special effects and action sequences are well done and director Brett Leonard keeps the pace quick.

The film is rated R for its violence and language, a level of violence and profanity that is, unfortunately, common for action movies these days. Although the basic plot is pretty standard, some good acting, good effects, strong action and a few plot twists raise this film up to the B level.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

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Robert Roten can be reached via e-mail at my last name at lariat dot org. [Mailer button: image of letter and envelope]

(If you e-mail me with a question about this or any other movie or review, please mention the name of the movie you are asking the question about, otherwise I may have no way of knowing which film you are referring to)