ADRENALIN: FEAR THE RUSH

1996 / Director. Albert Pyun. Movie # 25.
Review by Glenn Cochrane

ADRENALIN is yet another movie which was taken away from Albert Pyun and recut. The version that Miramax released was different to the film, which Albert had intended to make. The entire story took on a new emphasis and the setting was changed from Romania to Boston. I can only imagine how frustrated Albert must have been throughout his career with so many films being pulled from under him... all leading to unfair criticisms of his abilities. He has a new director's cut of ADRENALIN (alongside a heap of other titles) on the way and I cannot wait to see it... but because the Miramax cut is the only version I've seen then my thoughts need to reflect it. Fortunately it's a good looking film and still showcases Albert's eye for action and aesthetic. Set in an alternative future, the government has collapsed and a deadly virus is sweeping across the world. When one infected criminal escapes and hides in the catacombs beneath an old prison a group of cops follow him and find themselves trapped at every corner, against a bloodthirsty monster. Albert made three films at the same time while he was in Romania and they all share the same tone. With rubble-lined streets and buildings in ruin he was able to utilize some natural environments to give his stories a surreal and furitistic beauty. The other two films were OMEGA DOOM and NEMESIS 4 and I consider them amongst Albert's most visually arresting. In it's NQ-PYUN Miramax form ADRENALIN is a workable sci-fi horror film with some competent performances. Flawed in many ways and slightly incoherent with its silly Boston setting... but a very easy watch and fun. I can't wait to see the director's cut and I will come back and let y'all know what it's like. 

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