Cherry 2000

The other day, I had a chance to revisit a movie I used to really enjoy, 1987's Cherry 2000. Does it still hold up? Here's my thoughts.

After his android wife, Pamela Gidley, short circuits, a businessman, David Andrews, desperately searches for the same model, a Cherry 2000. When he finds out that line of android has been discontinued, he does some research and discovers that there is a Cherry 2000 android at an abandoned robot warehouse. The only problem is that this factory is located out in the dangerous wastelands.

Realizing he needs help, he hires a tracker, Melanie Griffith, to help him locate the warehouse and his model. The meek stuffed shirt has to quickly learn to become a warrior. And the more time he spends with the tracker he begins to appreciate human companionship.

Cherry 2000 is a fun, sci fi, male fantasy that is a mix of Mad Max and The Stepford Wives. I remember when I first saw it back in the 80's I thought that Andrews, who got the part after the producers' first choice, Kevin Costner had to back out, was kind of a bland leading man. After rewatching it however I realize that is what the character calls for. And he is backed by a great supporting cast. I really enjoy Griffith in this. It was kind of a gutsy move to cast her in the tracker role. Around this time she was a bit of a sex symbol and could have easily played the Cherry 2000 role. But she goes against type and proves that she has more than beauty in her corner. That being said, there is something kind of sexy about her wielding a rocket launcher. But this role is more than just kicking ass and taking names. She also has some sweet and touching scenes with movie legend Ben Johnson. I read that Griffith doesn't like this movie, which is a shame because she's quite good in it.

There's a lot of humor in the film too, mostly displayed by the criminally under rated actor Tim Thomerson. He might not be a household name, but he should be. Look him up and you'll be, "Oh, that guy! He's great!" Speaking of great, there's some terrific character actors who pop up in small roles including Larry Fishburne, Brion James, and Marshall Bell.

The film was directed by Steve De Jarnatt, a terrific filmmaker who has popped up on my posts in the past. He cowrote one of my all time favorite comedies Strange Brew, and wrote and directed the amazing Miracle Mile. With Cherry 2000, De Jarnatt is able to find a nice balance between the action and the humor and delivers a solid and fun flick. Sadly though, since the movie covers several different genres, the studio had no idea how to market it, causing the film to be a direct to video release.

But don't let that scare you off. Cherry 2000 is a fun and clever ride.

It's available on dvd and blu ray.