In these austere times credit should be given to any filmmaker who can produce something on what has become known as a micro-budget. Without the backing from a studio, and usually self-funded, a film that can be made for costs similar to that of a cheap second hand car must be regarded as an impressive achievement. Having said that the resulting work must still be judged on its own merits in that does it achieve what it sets out to do. Many films of this ilk target the ‘tongue in cheek’ market, paying homage to classic horror styling’s while having a little fun along the way. The majority fail, some are passably enjoyable, a few are worthy of a second look. Occasionally, very rarely, there is a gem, a so called diamond in the rough. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Manborg.
Firstly a brief synopsis. During the Hell Wars when Count Draculon and his evil minions rose up to take over the Earth a brave soldier dared to stand against them. Even as he was blasted into oblivion he swore revenge. Years later the same soldier wakes up in a box in an abandoned workshop somewhere in Mega-Death City as Manborg, a cybernetically enhanced super soldier. Our hero is soon captured by grisly looking vampire types who are heavily influenced by Nazis in the fashion stakes, and forced to compete in arena based gladiatorial games against various nasty beasties. Along with fellow warriors #1 Man and brother and sister team Justice, a bit like an Australian Billy Idol, and Mina he escapes to the wastelands. Later they return to fight in an attempt to defeat the evil Count and save humanity. If all this sounds cheesy, it is. But it’s also brilliant fun.
Writer, producer and director Steven Kostanski has created something that will resonate with anyone with even the slightest knowledge of film, or who just simply has a sense of humour. Having worked on big budget productions such as Silent Hill: Revelation and the forthcoming Del Toro Sci-Fi flick Pacific Rim Kostanski has learnt his trade. Working primarily in the special effects departments he brings all that experience to bear in Manborg. Working to a reported budget of just $1000 and with props and prosthetics developed, and I believe literally, from items scavenged from garbage, this is a film that will leave you with a huge smile on your face. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a so-bad-its-good film. Every moment of humour, every ridiculous and unpredictable plot twist has been meticulously scripted and expertly planned. So many films try to be too clever, almost try to educate the audience. Not here.
Watching Manborg felt like reuniting with an old friend, perhaps revelling in the embrace of a former lover, as so many happy memories flooded back. There are nods to so many films in Manborg that it would be impossible to list them all. I found myself thinking of The Running Man, of Flash Gordon and of Tron. There are hints of manga in some of the almost cartoon-like effects and I’m sure I heard a sample of the rifles used in Aliens. More than anything though I was reminded of the television series Red Dwarf. There was a knowing humour to the series, almost like a wink to the audience to say ‘are you with us?’ Manborg has that same quality.
From the Harryhausenesque monsters to the voice of #1 Man being provided by Kyle Herbert, who has voiced more characters from animation and video games than I have time to mention, this is a film that you will want to tell your friends about. Even the wonderful sentimentality of the ending is only matched by the writer’s inability to resist a final in joke. The performances from the actors are excellent, being both hysterically over the top and wonderfully dead pan as required but the real star here is Kostanski. He has managed to achieve that rarest of things; a film that will appeal to everyone.
OVERALL SUMMARY
Manborg is just great fun and will undoubtedly spawn a cult following. Make sure you seek it out and watch it as soon as possible. I guarantee you will enjoy yourself.
