My Cultural Diet

Jack Deth (yes, that’s our hero’s name) is a grizzled and cynical 23rd-century cop who’s tired of hunting down the titular monsters, humans who’ve been turned into zombie-like creatures by the evil Martin Whistler and his psychic powers. But when Whistler travels back in time to 1985, Deth is pressed back into service to make the jaunt himself and prevent Whistler from rewriting the future. Upon arriving in the past, Deth gains the help of a punk rock girl named Leena (Helen Hunt, in her first major film role), but there’s just one problem: Whistler currently occupies the body of a police detective and before too long, the entire LAPD is gunning for Deth and Leena. A prime example of an ’80s “B” movie that’s not great, but is nevertheless better and more enjoyable than it has any right to be, Trancers is a clear riff on Blade Runner, albeit with some time travel and zombie motifs tacked on for good measure, as well as some classic film noir references. What ultimately saves Trancers is its scrappy sense of style. Director Charles Band absolutely made the most of his $400,000 budget, piling on the lurid neon lighting and shooting much of the film in rundown areas and dilapidated buildings, all of which helps to sell the film’s modest attempts at cyberpunk and post-apocalyptic aesthetics.

I may earn an affiliate commission on items you buy through Opus. These commissions will go directly to support the site and my blogging.