Barb Wire [DVD]

David Hogan’s 1996 film, “Barb Wire,” adapts the Dark Horse Comic of the same name about the titular heroine (Pamela Anderson) working as a mercenary in Steel Harbor, the “last free city” in the United States during the Second Civil War of 2017. In the story, Barb runs a club in Steel Harbor and finds herself drawn into a plot when her former boyfriend, Axel Hood (Temuera Morrison), and his new wife, the scientist Cora D (Victoria Rowell), come to the club. One of the government forces seeks them in order to get their hands on the scientist’s work: a bioweapon that could turn the tide of the war. Meanwhile, Barb also finds herself in possession of high-tech contact lenses that can fool any retinal scanning software, thereby granting the wearer free passage. The local constabulary, Chief Alexander Willis (Xander Berkeley), works to nominal aids the the Congressional Council’s storm troopers in finding the missing scientist and contact lenses despite his distaste for the imposing soldiers. Famously, Barb never chooses sides due to her experience in the war, but the sight of a former love leads to her breaking precedent.If this sounds like a sci-fi version of “Casablanca,” it absolutely is, right down to the teary goodbye at an airport and a variation of Rick’s (Humphrey Bogart) line, “This looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” While the plot may crib heavily from “Casablanca,” the overall quality is far from it. The movie very much belongs among the late-90s era of comic book films, which included “Steel” and “Batman & Robin.” It has some decent cinematography, but the dystopian elements pale in comparison to better examples in earlier films, such as “Tank Girl,” which embraced their camp rather then try for a serious tone. One interrogation scene in particular serves a post-punk update to “Barbarella.” Anderson would later originate a different superhero role in Stan Lee’s animated series, “Stripperella.” Fans of Temuera Morrison might enjoy his role and even Clint Howard makes an appearance in a role similar to that of Signor Ugarte (Peter Lorre) from “Casablanca,” but they can’t save a weak and disjointed script. The film may be of interest to scholars of the 1990s, those looking into the forerunners to today’s comic book movie juggernauts, and people studying how Hollywood adapts its own stories.

Pamela Anderson stars in this fast-paced and sexy movie about a gorgeous bounty hunter trying to survive during the second American Civil War.Anderson stars as Barb Wire, a former freedom fighter for the United Front, a group of guerrillas who are fighting against the Congressional Directorate, located in Washington, D.C. Barb has given up her freedom-fighter days, instead retreating to Steel Harbor, the last free city in America. There, she has set up a bar/nightclub called Hammerhead, which caters to everyone, regardless of political affiliation. On the side, she also moonlights as a high-priced bounty hunter, earning money to pay off local cop Alexander Willis (Xander Berkeley). She also has frequent run-ins with a bail bondsman named Schmitz (Clint Howard).Back in Washington, events have transpired which could upset Barb's tidy little business. The Directorate began a virus program called Red Ribbon, with the help of scientist Dr. Corrina "Cora D." Devonshire (Victoria Rowell). Derived from the HIV virus, this weapon can knock out any area in the United States in under 12 hours. Cora D. ended up defecting to the United Front, changed her appearance through plastic surgery, and is now headed to Steel Harbor along with fellow fighter Axel Hood (Temuera Morrison). Hood happens to be an old flame of Barb's. They are in search of a special contact lens which can hide freedom fighters from identification scans. Barb wants nothing to do with Cora D., Axel, or anyone who wants something for free. However, she soon finds herself in the middle of a conflict between the United Front and the Congressional Directorate, who have sent the notorious Col. Pryzer (Steve Railsback) to Steel Harbor to find the lenses. Pryzer begins investigating everyone in Steel Harbor, including Barb, her blind brother, and Alexander. Will Barb succeed in delivering the lenses to Cora D. before Col. Pryzer finds them first?This is a first-rate post-holocaust movie. There is massive amounts of gunfire, huge explosions, and many scenes of Pam Anderson and her very revealing little black dress. For a post-apocalyptic movie, Barb Wire is very good. Be sure to watch the "sexy outtakes"; you won't want to miss them!

I like to get movies from overseas venues they make better copies and this one is

Regardless of your politics on good acting and what the skeptics refer to as the old "t and a" quotient, there is no denying the visual beauty that Pamela Anderson (in her heyday) brings to this magnificently silly screenplay; and, if you can get through the first ten minutes of this "unrated" version without rewinding twenty times to re-watch, then you deserve a medal for self-control! In actuality though, the film is probably not as erotic as all that--Pam's upper half is on display quite a bit, but there's nothing hardcore about this movie. In fact, if you watch past that open scene for very long, you will find a ridiculously campy and incomplete narrative--Ebert gave the film a passing mark (if I am remembering this correctly) but he co-wrote "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls", so what did he know? I'll tell you what he did know, and that was the look of a beautiful woman--and Pam certainly fits that bill. It's tragic to me that her career never really worked in a respectable sense; sure, she was no great actress, but she could have done better than movies that tended to ridicule her instead of giving her an opportunity to branch out (and I don't mean pornographic roles!). I have always adored her, despite her disreputable moments and the shameful press that seems to follow her around doggedly. The movie tries to keep up the action quite well, but I'm so distracted by Pam and that blonde hair that I can't critique too much else of any substantial interest.The "unrated" DVD version is good enough with its picture and sound presentation and there are a few extras included, but essentially you must buy this if you like Pam, and her beauty overwhelms pretty much everything else here. B+

Well, firstly it's definitely a post-apocalyptic movie that fans of Pam (and her assists) would love. Even though critics panned it upon release (what do they know anyway, eh?) Barb Wire is actually a well made movie, with excellent production value and a thoroughly tongue-in-cheek 'comic book' feel (such comic book inspired films are mega-hits in the 2020's, dontcha know!). Made in the 90's, it has a certain timelessness (at least the characters will never age a day). It's corny, it's over-the-top and it's underrated. There's an uncut version that shows a bit more nudity of Pam, but it's missing the 15 minute long 'making of' documentary (the version I bought didn't have it). There's no director's commentary or gag-reel extra content to speak of, only a trailer and cast actors' filmography. Right, so, you've probably heard BW has a striking similarity (story-wise) to Casablanca and watching them side-by-side they're definitely alike. However, Pam is a much prettier bar owner than Bogart (without beer goggles, that is), which is a major plus in my books! Actually, I've been meaning to get this film for years and I'm really kicking myself up the arse (ouch!) for not buying it on dvd when I was still a teenager and being the envy of my school chums who religiously tuned-in and drooled copiously over Pam in Baywatch on the telly. Well dammit!

Love Pam soooooo sexy

This is an iconic movie featuring Pamela Anderson at her best

A little dated now but still a good near to end of world action move. Set in a despotic US people want to escape to Cannada. barb Wire runs night club helping peole escape.

Thin story line, but we all know why we watch this film. P Anderson in leather and on a Motorcycle.