A rare example of a sequel that's better than the original. David Carradine returns as rough'n'tumble bounty hunter John Turner, who this time locks horns with ruthless drug dealing crime boss Hoffman (an effectively sleazy portrayal by Patrick Culliton). Turner is assisted by brash young hotshot Billy (a likable Ted Prior), who ultimately turns out to be Turner's own son from the future who's traveled back to the present to spend some quality time with his father. Writer/director David A. Prior shows a greater degree of flair and competence than in the previous picture; he relates the story at a steady pace and stages the stirring action scenes with a reasonable amount of brio. Moreover, Carradive delivers a much more lively and committed performance as the hard-nosed Turner. The solid acting from a good cast rates as another substantial plus: Gail Jensen as Turner's fed-up shrewish wife Marion, Ron Taft as Hoffman's vicious flunky Dugan, Charles Napier as huffy corrupt police chief Mickland, Renee Cline as sarcastic informant Cindi, and Dave Scott as sniveling toady Monroe. The breezy and engaging chemistry between Prior and Carradine really keeps the movie humming throughout. Voya Mikulic's slick cinematography, the tight 79 minute running time, William T. Stremberg's spirited cornball score, and a decent dab of gratuitous female nudity are all on the money as well. A perfectly enjoyable little low-budget B-action flick.
Review of Future Zone
