Review
When talking about original conceptions in film, Demolition Man balances fresh new ideals with a non-stop action packed science fiction story that also happens to be filled with some of the best Stallone/Snipes moments ever on screen. Like only a small handful of films before it, Demolition Man really caters to the concept of marrying science fiction and action together. When it’s done properly you end up with something far above the standards of a film in either genre. This film comes off as a cut and dry action movie with little to offer, but that perception is absolutely the contrary.
Letting Snipes play the bad guy in this was an excellent suggestion. His overwhelming personality and charisma makes his character “a maniac” refreshing, absurd, and wickedly dangerous all at once. Stallone playing his brooding counterpart really took advantage of his dry sense of humor, exploited his muscular attributes, and basically went nuts letting his character, John Spartan, blow stuff up, which as Stallone demonstrated with “The Expendables” is something he’s rather fond of.
While it seems on the surface Demolition Man is nothing more than an indulgent action film, there is surprisingly a lot more going on. Mirroring many socialist and political feelings and theories, there is the sense that there is definitely more depth than the flash and bang persona the movie initially gives off. The action never stops in this story, but the world continues to develop itself and create even more complexity for the story. An evolution of time and eradication of violence seems like a proper world to live it, but things not always being what they appear is what makes this film so compelling.
The set is fantastical. This new world where every restaurant is Taco Bell and no weapons or curse words exist is enjoyable to look at, but three dimensional enough that it comes off as a plausible universe. The naivete of Bullocks character really reflects the new world most profoundly. Her openness and curiosity about the way things used to be 
is really a clear representation of the true nature of the race of humans. Even though her character is profoundly annoying at times, as Bullock often is, the viewer gets to hope she gets hit in the crossfire, and thankfully there becomes a lot of crossfire.
There was a lot to love about Demolition Man. At it’s very core there is a serious action flick complimented by a creative science fiction adventure. With original ideas, a world never before imagined but realized, it even fifteen years later is a truly exciting movie. The chemistry between Snipes and Stallone makes the two nemesis a showdown worth your time. This is one that shouldn’t ever be remade because of special effects and is a gem just as it is.
Demolition Man has a very 80′s, early 90′s feel but overall, it was an awesome action flick! I also loved Wesley Snipes as a bad guy and Stallone gave some decent depth and background to Spartan.
Castor recently posted..
I thought it was a really smart performance by Stallone, it had a clever sense of humor, and just brilliant with Snipes playing all bad.
Heather recently posted..Noomi Rapace To Star In ‘Sherlock Holmes 2′
Every time I think of Demolition Man I think of the three seashells. Just how the hell do you use those things!
I suppose this (http://www.i-mockery.com/shorts/three-seashells/) is one way!
Dan recently posted..Anticipation for Harry Potter 7 hots up
Ooh too funny. As I just made a post about Sandy last month, one of my guy friends immediately thought of this movie. I almost forgot she’s in it, but I actually enjoyed this movie as I like Snipes (he’s just so good in Passenger 57 & Blade, but also love his softer side in Waiting to Exhale). And that ending, whoa!!
rtm recently posted..Hollywood Movie Draft Pitch- Hearts Want
When I watched it I had completely forgot about her in it too. She was a bit annoying, but it worked for the part.
Stallone & Snipes? I’m sold.
Fitz recently posted..
Go see it Fitz!
I was surprised by how much I liked this film. It’s a total blast to watch and also has some really cool sci-fi ideas. Yea, Bullock can be a bit grating, but I think this is the most fun she’s been in a movie.
Also: 3 seashells! It had to be said.
James Blake Ewing recently posted..Machete 2010
I loved the security foam!
I absolutely agree it shouldn’t be remade with all special effects. There was something almost charming about this movie I thought. I’ve watched it a couple of times and I just find it so entertaining. Cheesy yes, but it works:)
Olive recently posted..
It had just the right amount of cheese I felt Olive!
I haven’t seen this in a very long time, but I loved it as a kid. The three seashells is the ultimate movie conundrum because no one can ever figure out how it works, but it seems like there should be a way to make it work. I’m definitely going to have to watch this again sometime in the future.
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Check this out Will:
http://www.i-mockery.com/shorts/three-seashells/
Love this movie – everything about it. Not too sure I like that it paved the way for Judge Dredd, as far as the sci-fi-action blend you were talking about though. Denis Leary is great – although he’s essentially doing his routine from No Cure for Cancer – but when is Leary not doing one of his routines? (Maybe in Ice Age?)
Whoever taught Snipes to fight was a freakin’ genius. It was like jiu-jitsu mixed up with little jeet kune do and who knows what else. He ported it over to Blade very well – Simon Phoenix could indeed be the reason Blade worked so well…
Rob Shneider actually seems right at home here… but then we’re getting back into the genesis of Judge Dredd, so I’ll leave that alone.
Way to talk up the real classics!
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This totally pisses me off. *Of course* some people don’t even remember Sandra Bullock was in it; she was knocked unconscious so that Stallone could be the big, bad white guy. More from me on Demolition Man: http://tinyurl.com/3omf7u9
Nikita Blue recently posted..A Look Back- Demolition Man 1993