Barb Wire

In yesterday's post, I wrote about the bad ass female comic book heroine Tank Girl. Sticking with that theme, today I'm looking back at another tough lady from the comics that found her way to the big screen in 1996's Barb Wire.

Pamela Anderson takes on the title role as a futuristic nightclub owner who moonlights as a bounty hunter. Against her better judgement, she comes to the aid of a former lover named Axel, Temeura Morrison, a freedom fighter who is helping a scientist named Dr. Devonshire, Victoria Rowell, get across the Canadian border. The Dr. has information about a weapon that could be fatal in the wrong hands. With the government, mercenaries, and all kinds of bad elements on her tail, Barb has her work cut out for her.

Is this a great movie? Not really. But it's not a total waste. It's basically a remake of Casablanca, and I have to give it points for trying to pull that off. I mean that take's balls to remake such a beloved classic in the disguise of a futuristic comic book movie starring Anderson.

Even though this was supposed to be a vehicle for Anderson, she is pretty miscast in the title role. There was even some additional nudity that was added late in the production. Probably to distract the viewers from Anderson's acting chops. Luckily she has a strong supporting cast that includes Udo Keir, Steve Railsback, Clint Howard, and Tiny "Zeus" Lister. Director David Hogan was way in over his head and was replaced by the uncredited Adam Rifkin.

Barb Wire is pretty forgettable, but it's not the worst comic book movie out there. I think with a stronger lead and if Rifkin was in the director's seat throughout the production, this could have been better received.

It's available on dvd and blu ray.