The work of prolific Italian director Lucio Fulci is most notable for his output in the horror genre, where he made some genuinely good films, such as The Beyond and The House by the Cemetery (both 1981), and some not-so-good, yet still fondly remembered, such as Zombie Flesh Eaters (1979). His entries into sci-fi are somewhat less well-remembered, which is almost a shame, as this, Warriors of the Years 2072 (also known as New Gladiators) is at least an intriguing idea. Set in a future where TV corporations seem to rule, airing gladiatorial battles in order to boost ratings, popular champion of the intelligently named Kill Bike, Drake (Jared Martin), has been framed for murder in order to lure him into a new to-the-death game show. Sensing the audience are desperate for blood and death, the ruthless TV network plan to set a band of Death Row prisoners against each other in a motorbike battle, complete with nasty weapons.It plays like an earlier cheap version of The Running Man (1987), but with cardboard sets, dodgy costumes, and the guy that played Black Caesar. This is a pretty terrible film. The obvious budgetary constraints lead to a very slow build up that sees Drake planning and training with his new Death Row colleagues for a long time before we get to the climax. That said, when the finale does finally arrive, it's actually pretty exciting given the actors are clearly waving plastic weapons and merely karate chopping each other on the back of the head (which seems to be the standard exploitation fight move). Fulci seems unable to resist throwing in a splash of gore any chance he gets, which makes it obvious as to where his heart really lies. Sci-fi is not his forte, and it's clear that this was a quickie. But there are a few things to enjoy here, namely the basic idea which is, as I said earlier, although badly executed, is certainly quite interesting.
Directed by: Lucio Fulci
Starring: Jared Martin, Fred Williamson, Howard Ross
Country: Italy
Rating: **
Tom Gillespie
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