"Soldier" review

Soldier (1998)

Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson
Writing credits David Webb Peoples

Kurt Russell.... Todd
Jason Scott Lee.... Caine 607
Jason Isaacs.... Mekum
Connie Nielsen.... Sandra

Westerns don't get made much anymore. Filmmakers need to use other genres to fulfill their western fantasies. Just like "Vampires" with James Woods was a "Western with vampires" so "Soldier" is a "Western in space". One man against many. You meet in a deserted town and settle it all. Like real men. High Noon. Soldiers deserve to fight other soldiers.

This is a very simple movie. That's why it's good. Kurt Russell is the old soldier vs. the new and improved soldiers to see who is the king. #1. The Boss. He gets thrown away on a garbage planet because he became out of date. One day the new soldiers find his planet and come down to wipe out everyone. One of those amazing coincidences that Russell was there. Soon Kurt shows them who's in charge.

There's a good beginning scene involving the competition between Russell and the new soldiers. Then there is a long, slow stretch where Russell assimilates to his new planet and people and then the final showdown scene. The middle part was a tad slow but once the fresh meat arrives the action picks up. It was a decent action flick. Russell was the new sheriff in town and booted out the bad guys. I liked it.

SCORE: 3 out of 4 soldiers