Virus (1999)

In this fast-paced, sci-fi/horror shoot-'em-up based on the Dark Horse comic book, Jamie Lee Curtis plays the navigator of an ocean-going tug. When a typhoon cripples their boat, the crew sails into the eye of the storm, where they discover a high-tech Russian communications and research vessel adrift. Only one Russian crewmember is still alive, raving about "intelligent lightning." They soon discover that an alien life form has taken over the ship's computers and is churning out biomechanical warriors. With their own boat destroyed, the crew must battle the creature as the ship reenters the storm. If the basic story and characters all sound familiar, it may not surprise you that producer Gale Anne Hurd's other films include The Terminator and Aliens. This movie and its derivative screenplay aren't nearly as good as those were, and director John Bruno (who won an Oscar for best visual effects for The Abyss) seems more skilled at action choreography and special effects than character and story. Curtis plays another variation on her "scream queen" persona, while Donald Sutherland gives a deliciously hammy performance as the tug captain (in his words, "the dominant life form") who smells salvage money if he can claim the Russian ship for his own. For all the picture's flaws, the effects are good (and gory) and it moves at top speed for a brisk 100 minutes. A trivia factoid: at one point on this troubled production, film footage was seized at the airport because the shipping box was prominently marked with the film's title! --Geof Miller Amazon.com

No suspense. No horror. Special effects are like that of a TV show. Acting is below par.

The movie is basically "Robots attacking a ship". It contains no suspense and no horror. Special effects are like that of a TV show. Acting is below par. Donald Sutherland is ridiculous with his extremely dumb role of the Captain.

It's a waste of time and money. November 3, 2008

Funny

This has to be one of the worst movies ever made...
I gave it 2 stars just because it made me laugh in the process...what was donald sutherland thinking along with Jamie Lee Curtis! I wouldn't recommend this to anyone... September 1, 2008

Great "B" Movie with Great Actors!

Some prominant actors in a great drive-in type classic. Some gruesome gore and a couple dark comedic moments. This has to be the worst virus you could ever hope not to catch. I saw this on the sci-fi channel and just had to own it. Virus takes erector sets to a whole new level. Highly recommended for good brainless fun! July 24, 2008

i rate it a "meh"..., but GREAT Dolby mix

Story: crew in tight quarters being hunted down by... something.

Script/dialogue: no real laughs or suspense.

Special effects: surprising. Makes you wish CGI went away, and more college kids played with latex and squibs.

Acting: Jamie Lee Curtis: credible job. Donald Sutherland: LAUGHABLY bad accent. William Baldwin: looked pretty when he had to. Joanna Pakula: played someone pretty with an accent.

Dolby audio: the only reason I gave this DVD 3 stars. AMAZING! Set your receiver to Dolby enhanced EX or an equivalent. I was going to use the DVD as trade bait in a used DVD shop until I watched it and was stunned by the effort that went into the audio mix. Not exactly "Master & Commander', but very good for its time. June 9, 2008

Home Sweet Home

I lived on this ship the "USNS Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg" for about 5 years. I worked for RCA Missile Test Project and thats what it did, Track Missiles and Space Junk. I could watch this thing every week but I'd probably wear out my player. I'm glad it got some news cause when I ws on it it did not offically exist.

Joe Cuzzzzz December 25, 2007

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