Slipstream

Largely unknown, and not even listed in some major film references (the movie flopped in the UK and was never released in theaters in North America), “Slipstream” is a decent post-apocalyptic sci-fi film directed by a veteran of the genre (having helmed 1982’s “Tron”), but this time the film is a bit unfocused – the director doesn’t seem to know whether he’s making a big action blockbuster (which the generous budget would allow), or a more cerebral film focusing on sociological questions, even weighing in on the philosophical/ontological debate. As a result, Lisberger’s film ends up noticeably disjointed, with an uneven pacing.

The final product then is something of an unsatisfying and artificial hybrid, with some sporadic, well-made action scenes interspersed with a large number of heavy-duty themes (moral, legal, scientific, religious, philosophical) that receive only superficial treatment, mostly limited to a string of impressive-sounding aphorisms.

An entirely respectable cast (including Sir Ben Kingsley in a cameo role), but the most convincing performances are those offered by Mark Hamill and especially Bob Peck. The former plays a brusque, by-the-book law enforcement officer in a volatile era, and the latter is excellent as an android representing technology, but still aspiring to human imperfection. Imperfect certainly describes this film as well, although it’s not entirely devoid of appeal and a few evocative moments.