This is the big 'A'

Rating: 10/10 (21 February 2000)

'A' for "A lot of blood". No, make that "A lotter"! If you're not into violent movies, you might be offended. However, I always felt the gory parts were essential for Verhoeven's universe. A feeling of the softness and fragility of flesh versus the unrelenting steel of the weapons, armour and sets pervades throughout, like the "momento mori" of baroque art. These worlds mean business, they can harm you in a very real way, they are not the comfy deals we find in most other hollywood-material; "Robocop", "Starship Troopers" and "Total Recall" are all prime examples of this. The characters sweat and bleed their way through this, the most physical of movie-worlds!
'A' as in Action; this is a rollercoaster-ride of beautifully choreographed action-scenes, and the plot keeps your brain on its little grey toes throughout!
'A' as in Arnold-movie; this movie, along with T2 and Predator, is one of the best examples of a genre all its own, which sets an impressive standard for adrenaline-level and imagery.
'A' for Acting. Arnold almost acts (!) in places, not so much in the stale voicing of his Austrian accent, but there is some nice facial stuff in there, which must be considered class A acting, coming from Mr. "I'll be back" Universe! Anyhow, the rest of the cast are excellent!
CONCLUSION: A camp Austrian, a mad Dutchman and the twisted genious of Phillip K. Dick; what more do you need? See it tonight, but keep a towel handy for wiping the sweat off your brow!