Ten thousand light-years from Earth lies a planet known as Arturos. There, a dangerous criminal is on the run and enters a local laundromat, taking thirteen people, including women and children, hostage. To prevent a bloodbath and support the mayor’s upcoming election, the police must meet the criminal’s demands, regardless of the requests or money involved. However, it isn’t long before Officer Brick Bardo (Tim Thomerson) arrives.
Despite being suspended, Bardo is determined to help and disregards the mayor’s requests. Armed with a Kruger Blaster, the most powerful handgun in the universe, and supported by the police Captain, Bardo enters the laundromat and successfully manages the situation without bloodshed. However, the news story presents a different account of what happened due to the mayor’s anger over the outcome and Bardo’s interference.
Making matters worse, Bardo is kidnapped shortly after returning to his home. The mastermind behind the kidnapping is his arch-nemesis, Sprug (Frank Collison), who has clashed with Bardo in several battles. Sprug is a floating head in a high-tech device. In return for Bardo’s release, Sprug demands 50,000 molecular ions, confident that his demands will be met because he possesses a dimensional fusion bomb powerful enough to destroy the entire city. Naturally, Bardo is not one to submit easily, but after a shootout filled with explosions and chaos, Sprug manages to escape in his cruiser. Bardo pursues him, and during their chase through space, their ships collide and crash on an alien planet known as Earth. Due to the planet’s unique structure, Bardo’s size is altered, making him significantly smaller than the planet’s life forms, which are six times larger than him!
Now tiny and in the South Bronx, Bardo is caught amid a violent war that plagues the streets with crime, including drugs and violence. Meanwhile, Debi (Kamala Lopez) is tirelessly fighting for justice within the city, determined to make the streets safer again. In this new environment, Bardo must confront a different kind of criminal, all while confidently reminding the world that size doesn’t matter.
Dollman is an action-comedy film with a sci-fi twist that shouldn’t be taken seriously. Directed by Albert Pyun, who is known for his previous works such as Cyborg (1989), Nemesis (1992), and Captain America (1990), Dollman was released by Full Moon Features, an American independent film production and distribution company led by B-grade veteran Charles Band. This company is recognised for titles such as Trancers, Dollman vs. Demonic Toys, The Gingerdead Man, and many others.
This is nothing short of entertaining and is filled with fun and creative moments. The concept is fresh and engaging, and it features a hilarious character inspired by the tough cop archetype reminiscent of Dirty Harry. Dollman is packed with memorable one-liners and playful dialogue. Bardo embodies the principle of doing whatever it takes to uphold justice and be a good cop.
The action is pleasant, especially when it involves Bardo’s gun, which can explode bodies. The creative elements are noteworthy, particularly the sci-fi aspects, including the glimpse into Bardo’s home world at the film’s opening. Showing Bardo as a thirteen-inch man on Earth would have been challenging, but the film manages to pull it off thanks to some creative filming angles and double exposures. Certain shots show their age and lack realism, but for me, it was just part of the film’s fun; nothing here should be taken seriously.
I enjoyed the film’s pacing, especially the opening, which introduces Bardo and his long-time arch-nemesis. However, I must admit there is a noticeable dip in pace and excitement once Bardo lands on Earth. Additionally, I found actress Kamala Lopez’s performance as Debi one of the film’s weaker elements, mainly due to some line deliveries that felt off. As the film builds toward the showdown, it mirrors the excitement of the beginning and is equally rewarding. While Bardo faces Sprug, the main villain, he also faces another antagonist—a street gang leader named Braxton, portrayed by Jackie Earle Haley. Although I appreciated the inclusion of the additional villains, I must say that I enjoyed the primary villain much more and was disappointed that he received less screen time as the film progressed.
Overall, Dollman is brilliant and has quickly become one of my favourites. Tim Thomerson shines as Dollman, a thirteen-inch man with memorable one-liners and tough-guy action. Despite some dated performances from side characters and visual effects, the film’s creativity feels fresh and welcoming. Having seen this, I’m eager to explore more Full Moon Features titles like Demonic Toys. Ultimately, Dollman proves that good things come in small packages—so switch your brain off and enjoy!
Dollman (1991) is Now Available on Blu-ray thanks to Umbrella Entertainment!
FILM SCORE: 8.0/10
Published: 4th December 2024
Written by: Peter Walkden
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