This movie isn't exceptional, though it does have some interesting ideas and positive aspects that manage to outweigh its shortcomings. I didn’t go into this film expecting much. I was aware that it takes place in a future now behind us—the year 2017—and is another prison break story. It also had the distinction of being popular in Europe, particularly on VHS, but has since faded from memory and isn't really discussed anymore. So, I decided to check it out, just to see if it was worthwhile, and I ended up enjoying what I watched. The film demonstrates creativity, coming from people with original ideas who are capable of developing inventive solutions, supported by a skilled cast, and making smart use of its limited resources. The story is set in a high-security prison located underground somewhere in the American desert. We follow a couple who have been arrested for violating the “one-child policy” then enforced in the United States—they attempted to have a second child. They receive an extreme sentence of 31 years and are incarcerated within this facility, where everything is controlled by a computer system and overseen by a cruel and sadistic director. The computer itself sometimes seems almost alive. Even the prisoners’ dreams are monitored and suppressed through a device implanted in their bodies, which could be lethal if they push its limits. The script suffers from a fundamental flaw: it relies on an overused concept—prison escapes. We've seen countless variations of this theme because nearly every significant escape attempt throughout history has been adapted for the screen. However, the film attempts to overcome this by incorporating imaginative and futuristic elements. The graphic violence in some scenes might be disturbing to some viewers, although I’ve personally witnessed worse. Be advised: there are depictions involving exploding internal organs and strangely formed androids. There was a noticeable investment in visual effects, special effects makeup, set design, and costumes, and that effort clearly paid off. Unfortunately, the cinematography isn't particularly strong; it falls short of the standards expected for the time the film was made, but I didn’t find it too distracting. Director Stuart Gordon delivers competent and effective direction, making good use of what he had to work with. Christopher Lambert, often recognized as McLeod, is in fine form here and performs adequately, even though his role isn't overly complex or demanding. Kurtwood Smith portrays a convincing villain—cold and deserving of disdain—though he also evokes some sympathy due to his character’s longing for connection. Loryn Locklin provides a welcome presence, but I frequently felt her character had little purpose beyond being a damsel in need of rescue. Tom Towles, Clifton Collins Jr., Vernon Wells, Jeffrey Combs, and Lincoln Kilpatrick offer solid supporting performances, though their contributions are limited.

Source on TMDB