Future Force

Future Force is a 1989 science fiction action film, co-produced, written and directed by David A. Prior. The film stars David Carradine (of "Kung Fu" and "Kill Bill" fame), Robert Tessier, and Anna Rapagna, with appearances from William Zipp, Patrick Culliton, and D.W. Landingham. With its dystopian themes, cop drama, and Carradine's traditional style of martial arts, the movie offers a tantalizing mix for fans of vintage action and science fiction genres.

Set in a troubled future, the story's backdrop is a United States where the police force has been privatized, and justice is mostly served by the "COPS" (Civilian Operated Police Systems), bounty hunters who are employed by the government to maintain law and order. David Carradine, whom viewers know as an actor who can effectively bring action and drama to a character, stars as John Tucker – one of the toughest and most relentless among these futuristic bounty hunters. However, beneath his grizzled exterior, he is discontent with the corruption and the injustices prevalent within the COPS organisation.

In this bleak landscape, Tucker's hard-nosed toughness is balanced by his sense of justice and morality. When he becomes targeted by his own organisation, Tucker fights back with the help of his robot glove, which provides an intriguing futuristic element to the movie. This cybernetic device is his trusty tool that comes in handy numerous times, serving as a shield, energy blaster, and more.

The villainous role comes in the form of Robert Tessier's character, who acts as an overbearing boss within COPS. Tessier, known for his roles as toughened characters, brings a palpable sense of menace and arrogance to his role. Meanwhile, Anna Rapagna provides the romantic interest and empathy to balance out the grit and violence.

David Carradine’s performance is a highlight of Future Force. Despite the generally grim and dystopian feel of the movie, he delivers a nuanced performance with just the right mix of toughness, gritty realism and humor. Whether he's engaged in high-octane combat or navigating tense dramatic scenes, Carradine is a compelling presence.

The production design effectively communicates the dystopian future concept, with a stylish visual aesthetic that transforms everyday locations into a bleak vision of the future. The props and costumes are clearly influenced by the cyberpunk aesthetic, with dark shades, metallic elements, and rugged textures. The emphasis on everyday materials gives the film a gritty realism, which contrasts sharply with the advanced technology portrayed, creating a stylistically unique film universe.

Future Force is as much a vehicle for Carradine's unique blend of tough-guy charisma and martial arts skills as it is a stylized futuristic action thriller. It combines eclectic elements—ranging from dystopian world-building and advanced cybernetic technologies to martial arts action and high-stakes drama—to create an engaging cinematic experience for fans of the action-science fiction genre.

Despite a limited budget, director David A. Prior brings creativity and passion to Future Force, delivering a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The plotlines encompass social commentary around corruption, power, justice, and the dangers of privatization of the police force.

The distinctive music score, coupled with gritty visuals, creates a riveting atmosphere that never lets viewers forget they are in a dangerous, unpredictable future. The action sequences are well choreographed, often showcasing Carradine's martial arts skills mixed with cybernetic technology, which results in a unique barrage of fight scenes.

In sum, Future Force is a spirited blend of action, science fiction, and drama. Its strong lead performances, entertaining action sequences, and compelling commentary on societal issues keep it afloat despite any budgetary constraints. Lovers of vintage sci-fi or dystopian films will find Future Force a must-watch with its unique take on a future that’s not as far-fetched as it might initially seem. David Carradine’s lead performance and the film's gritty aesthetics make it a memorable entry in the action and science fiction genres.