My dad took me to see 'Solo' back when it hit theaters in 1996 and even young, I knew it wasn't anything special but still had a fun time. Returning to it nearly thirty years later this sentiment remains. It doesn't do anything new or flashy with it's cyborg formula, but if you can tolerate a measure of predictability you'll find a few likable faces in the cast - Mario Van Peebles, William Sadler - and some well shot action pieces particularly towards the end.
Solo (Peebles) is an experimental creation of the US Army who's sent on a field test in Central America to take out some goons and an airstrip, but when he disobeys orders because innocent people will be killed the decision is made to reprogram him. He can't allow that to happens due to his directives so he escapes his handlers and stands up for the innocent villagers as his own military sends in Col. Madden (Sadler) to capture or take him out by any means.
Barry Corbin plays a one note General and in an earlier role Adrian Brody is the android doc who's sympathizes with Solo. Peebles turns in a wooden performance but I guess you can say that's what was asked of him portraying a robot killing machine. Sadler is the biggest burst of energy as the lifelong military man resentful of a machine taking over a soldier's job and carries the task of being the bad guy which he does effectively.
If you're willing to ignore cliche emotional sentiment, minuscule character development and avoid thinking too deeply about the plot which isn't meant to stand up to logic, 'Solo' makes for a passable low level action trip. Peebles physically looks very much up to the role and there's a few mild twist n turns along the way. Everything looks good too, but it feels fairly uninspired.
Solo (Peebles) is an experimental creation of the US Army who's sent on a field test in Central America to take out some goons and an airstrip, but when he disobeys orders because innocent people will be killed the decision is made to reprogram him. He can't allow that to happens due to his directives so he escapes his handlers and stands up for the innocent villagers as his own military sends in Col. Madden (Sadler) to capture or take him out by any means.
Barry Corbin plays a one note General and in an earlier role Adrian Brody is the android doc who's sympathizes with Solo. Peebles turns in a wooden performance but I guess you can say that's what was asked of him portraying a robot killing machine. Sadler is the biggest burst of energy as the lifelong military man resentful of a machine taking over a soldier's job and carries the task of being the bad guy which he does effectively.
If you're willing to ignore cliche emotional sentiment, minuscule character development and avoid thinking too deeply about the plot which isn't meant to stand up to logic, 'Solo' makes for a passable low level action trip. Peebles physically looks very much up to the role and there's a few mild twist n turns along the way. Everything looks good too, but it feels fairly uninspired.