Dollman

Dollman is a 1991 science fiction action film with elements of dark humor. It is directed by Albert Pyun, known for his works in the action and science fiction genres. The screenplay was penned by Chris Roghair and David Pabian, based on original characters by Charles Band.

The film features a highly accomplished cast, including Tim Thomerson, Jackie Earle Haley, Kamala Lopez, and Humberto Ortiz. Each actor delivers an impressive performance that ensures viewers are spellbound from beginning to end, showcasing their range in a film that's as unexpected as it is captivating.

The star of the show is undoubtedly Tim Thomerson, who plays the film's protagonist, Brick Bardo. Thomerson comes into his own with a performance full of wit and grit, playing a cop from the planet Arturos. Bardo's notoriety as a tough, take-no-prisoners cop, infamous across the galaxy, is further complemented by his stature – a mere thirteen inches tall thanks to his planet's density and size.

After a confrontation with his arch-nemesis, the ruthless criminal Sprug, both are accidentally catapulted to Earth. On Earth, they retain their twelve-inch size, leading to the nickname that serves as the film's title, "Dollman". Despite his diminutive size, Bardo carries with him a powerful, size-adjusted sidearm – kind of like a handheld atomic canon – that can cause significant destruction.

Jackie Earle Haley plays Braxton Red, a local gang leader in the Bronx, where the tiny spaceship containing Bardo crash-lands. Red is a ruthless menace, terrorizing the neighborhood with his gang. Bardo becomes entangled in the local problems, where his bravery, resilience, and no-nonsense attitude are as crucial to his survival as they were on his home planet.

Kamala Lopez is Debbie Del Toro, a single mother, and Braxton Red’s frequent victim. Debbie plays a crucial role in the movie, as she finds Bardo and serves as a link with "normal" human life on Earth for Brick Bardo. The gigantically proportioned Earthlings initially intimidate the miniature Bardo, but he quickly acclimates to this world and forms an unlikely alliance with Debbie.

On one side, we have an inter-galactic, undersized law enforcement officer adjusting to an entirely new planet, while on the other side, there's a community living in fear of a dominating gang. Amid this chaos, Sprug arrives on Earth, adding another layer of threat to the gray-tinged streets of the Bronx.

One of the key themes weaving its way through Dollman is the exploration of size. Despite Bardo's minimal stature, he is, at his core, a powerful force to be reckoned with. It's this unexpected contrast that serves as a crucial element to the narrative's punch.

Dollman expertly marries Sci-Fi, action, and a touch of comedy to create a unique blend of entertainment that holds the audience's attention throughout. The special effects, considering the time of the film's release, are commendable. They add a certain charm to the film and augment the Sci-Fi vibe of the narrative.

Moreover, the contrasting landscapes – the alien world from which Bardo originates and the rough streets of the Bronx – work remarkably to showcase the fish-out-of-water scenario that comprises a significant part of Dollman's thrust.

In conclusion, Dollman is a testament to a specific flavor of narrative possible only in the science fiction genre – bizarre, implausible, yet oddly captivating and tempting for viewers to suspend disbelief willingly. With its unique plot, strong performances, and clever mix of humor and action, Dollman offers a distinct cinematic experience that every Sci-Fi enthusiast would appreciate. For those who crave an engaging storyline from a different perspective, Dollman won't disappoint.