Themes: Experiments Gone Awry, Race Against Time, Technology Run Amok
Main Cast: Mark Hamill, Vivian Wu, Jack "Wildman" Armstrong, David Gale, Jeffrey Combs
Release Year: 1991
Country: KR/TW/JP/US
Run Time: 92 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG13
Plot
Based on the Japanese comic-book character created by Toshiki Takaya, this hyper-kinetic science fiction fantasy plays like a live-action cartoon. The title initially refers to a mysterious piece of technology capable of generating a powerful bio-mechanical exoskeleton around the body of its operator. After scientist Tetsu Segawa (Greg Paik) is murdered while trying to deliver it to CIA agent Max Reed (Mark Hamill), the device is stumbled upon by Sean Barker (Jack Armstrong), a friend of the scientist's daughter Mizki (Vivian Wu). Sean discovers the object's power when it encases him with protective power-armor during a fight -- armor which comes in handy when the similarly-clad minions of the diabolical Chronos Corporation come after him to reclaim it. The technology they employ is revealed to be from another planet, which has enabled the head of Chronos (David Gale) to transform his henchmen into reptilian creatures known as Zoanoids (whose ranks include Jimmie Walker from the '70s TV sitcom Good Times!). In the ensuing battle, Sean's consciousness becomes merged with the power of the Guyver, bestowing him with remarkable strength and agility, as well as the convenient ability to regenerate himself when damaged. Helmed by Kung Fu Rascals creator Steve Wang and special-effects wizard Screaming Mad George, The Guyver is a colorful but ultimately clumsy comic-book adventure, bogged down by a pedestrian "Hollywood" script that seems out-of-lace amid the exotic premise and fanciful creature designs. Apparently targeted at younger audiences -- who may enjoy the broad comedy and wild monster effects -- this is relatively safe sci-fi fare compared to its ultra-violent source material. Look for "Scream Queen" Linnea Quigley in a brief cameo. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
Michael Berryman - Lisker; Michael Deak - Director; Danny Gibson - Aikido Instructor; Deborah Anne Gorman - Ms. Jensen; Jay Kelley - Lab Scientist; Greg Paik - Dr. Tetsu Segawa; Willard E. Pugh - Col. Castle; Linnea Quigley - Scream Queen; Johnnie Saiko - Craig; Doug Simpson - Quinton; Peter Spellos - Ramsey; Jimmie "J.J." Walker - Striker; David Wells - Gordon; Spice Williams - Weber; Dennis Madalone - Gang Member #4; Ted Smith - Ronnie
Credit
Screaming Mad George - Director, Steve Wang - Director, Andrew Horvitch - Editor, Matthew Morse - Composer (Music Score), Levie Isaacks - Cinematographer, Brian Yuzna - Producer, Jon Purdy - Screenwriter
FBI agent Max Reed witnesses Dr. Tetsu Segawa - a researcher for the mysterious Chronos Corporation - being murdered. Dr. Segawa had stolen an alien device known as "The Guyver" from Chronos. College student Sean Barker, whose girlfriend's father was Dr. Segawa, finds the Guyver's hiding spot while watching the forensic team investigating the crime scene. Through further events, the Guyver fuses with Sean and causes him to be covered in a suit of bio-armor. The president of Chronos, Fulton Balcus, wants the Guyver back and sends his mutant henchmen, the Zoanoids, led by Lisker, to steal it back.
Reception
Glenn Kenny of Entertainment Weekly said the film features "surprisingly convincing costumes and effects, inspired casting, and energetic direction, [but] what sinks it is its unfortunate adherence to the time-honored direct-to-video clichés: an unearned paycheck for a onetime A-picture star, and a tendency to fall back on lame humor whenever the going gets slow."[1]
David Johnson of DVD Verdict criticized the film's "ham-fisted over-acting," "ludicrous plot contrivances," and "nauseatingly hokey soundtrack."[2] Johnson called the film "a big, dumb joke," saying: "Despite some good creature effects, the movie crashed and burned and crashed again, weighted down by preposterous acting [and] corny music."[3]
Nathan Shumate of Cold Fusion Video Reviews criticized the film, in particular "the annoying demeanor and lack of personality" of lead actor Jack Armstrong," adding: "If there ever was a movie made for fan appreciation only, this is it, [...] but not everything can be blamed on audience unfamiliarity; there are plenty of elements in this movie that don’t work even by fanboy standards."[4]
The film generated enough interest for a sequel, Guyver: Dark Hero, with Armstrong replaced by David Hayter in the role of Sean, which was more well-received critically than its predecessor.
