Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -1 1/2

Taking up where the original Lawnmower Man movie left off, this futuristic sci-fi adventure takes place in Los Angeles "in the future." The real world has become so dark and oppressive, the only way to escape is through virtual reality (VR). And VR is not just a mere audio-visual simulation, it's a place called cyberspace where characters can actually move into and experience. Four teenagers headed by Peter (Austin O'Brien) and scientist Benjamin Trace (Patrick Bergin) do just that to confront the mad Lawnmower Man who is determined to control the world. Now known as Jobe (Matt Frewer), he is on the staff of the Virtual Reality Institute run by Tycoon Jonathan Walker (Kevin Conway). But Jobe rebels and proceeds to take over the Institute and its Chiron chip which will link together all the world's computer systems. Dr. Trace and his teenage cohorts do battle with Jobe in cyberspace throughout much of the film. Accompanied by spectacular special effects which simulate VR and cyberspace, the action is relentless and exciting. LAWNMOWER MAN 2 will delight those fascinated by VR , science fiction and non stop action.

Although the violent events in the film are intense, they are not sadistic or gory. However, they occur so frequently that they go beyond the legitimate use of film violence and exploit it to thrill and entertain. Nevertheless, Dr. Trace and his teenage companions fight Jobe and Walker to save the world from their evil, greedy domination. Further, they compassionately protect and care for each other. Dr. Trace even risks his life to save a dog from destruction. Interestingly, Jobe attempts to seduce the world's peoples by declaring himself their Messiah and Savior and promises to make the world a "garden of Eden" for them. All the amazing feats and powers portrayed in the film seem to be VR fantasy and not occultic or demonic in nature. Typical of PG 13 films, however, some moderate crudities, four obscenities and two regular profanities pollute the dialogue. This foul language and the excessive use of violence, require an unacceptable rating for LAWNMOWER MAN 2. Otherwise, it would have been a reasonably decent film.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: NewLine Cinema, 575 8th Avenue, 16th Flr, NY, NY 10018