Rating summary

Movie		1.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 6, 2021

Co-writer/director Brett Leonard elected to transform a Stephen King short story about unholy lawn service into a study of virtual reality, creating a minor hit for New Line Cinema with 1992’s “The Lawnmower Man.” It was R-rated entertainment that offered an exotic look at impossible technology for multiplex audiences, luring them in with strange CGI creations and mild thriller elements. Leonard was trying to make something distinctly sci-fi yet somewhat prescient, tapping into the rise of the “cyberpunk” subculture that would eventually become a Hollywood obsession for a good chunk of the 1990s. “The Lawnmower Man” surprised everyone by making money, and New Line wasn’t about to give up on a potential franchise. Of course, they didn’t stick with Leonard, instead putting their box office hopes into the hands of writer/director Farhad Mann, who helmed the pilot episode of “Max Headroom” and, well, “Return to Two Moon Junction.” Leonard isn’t much of a moviemaker, but Mann completely botches the world-building of the first effort, delivering “Lawnmower Man 2: Jobe’s War” (also titled “Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace”), which transforms the dangers and desires of the original picture into terrible kiddie entertainment.

After surviving the events of “The Lawnmower Man,” Jobe (Matt Frewer, replacing Jeff Fahey) is medically revived and put to work for Walker (Kevin Conway), who’s building the Virtual Light Institute, betting on the power of the Chyron Chip to help create a virtual world for the planet, looking to profit on the allure of VR escape. A decade later, Los Angeles is experiencing a dystopian downfall, with Peter (Austin O’Brien) surviving on the streets with his friends, enjoying adventures in a VR world, where they are heroes. During one of these visits, Jobe arrives to reconnect with his old friend, instructing Peter to search for Dr. Trace (Patrick Bergin, replacing Pierce Brosnan). Venturing into the desert to meet the hermit, Peter tempts Dr. Trace with word of Jobe’s current position of power. Recognizing the villain requires information to help solve Chyron Chip issues, Dr. Trace partners with Peter and his gang, hoping to infiltrate the Virtual Light Institute and prevent Jobe from achieving his sinister goals of world domination. Along the way, Dr. Trace reunites with Dr. Cori (Ely Pouget), who works for Walker, hoping to persuade her to switch sides and join him as they take on the all-powerful cyber god.

Whatever timeline was present in “The Lawnmower Man” is eliminated in full for “Lawnmower Man 2: Jobe’s War.” A prologue covers Jobe’s rescue and rehabilitation, restoring the VR soldier to working order for Walker, who hopes to use the legless man as a tool for a profitable future. However, this “tomorrow” is abrupt, with Los Angeles suddenly a cyberpunk world of screens and despair, with Peter now living as an orphan, joined by other kids as they rollerblade on sidewalks and live inside the subway system, stealing to survive. This includes VR equipment, which permits the kids a chance to experience another world of limitless possibilities, including the chance to tear around on motorcycles. How L.A. went from green lawns to dystopian agony in a matter of years isn’t explained, but nothing really is in Mann’s screenplay, which asks the audience to basically forget about “The Lawnmower Man” as the sequel strives to become its own thing, taking inspiration from comic books and syndicated television shows.

Jobe requires additional information to help solve the mystery of the Chyron Chip, facing his own demise if he doesn’t make sense of the “cyberscape.” “Jobe’s War” spends a little time with the character, but he’s not the same personality as before, with Mann permitting his “Max Headroom” star to horse around in the part, turning Jobe into a jokester and a super villain, found in cyberspace wearing a gold uniform and wielding a sword. Dr. Trace’s arc is a bit more interesting, with the man of VR now rejecting digital immersion, becoming a hippie in the desert to keep away from all traces of his past life. “Jobe’s War” soon returns Dr. Trace to battle, and Mann’s script is teeming with gobbledygook, trying to come across cutting edge as characters spout “cyber” nonsense to help sell a computerized world that’s pure fantasy.

Realism isn’t the point of “Jobe’s War,” but Mann’s quest to distance the sequel from the original film is bewildering. The sinister vibe of Leonard’s work is turned into a cartoon for the follow-up, with Mann trying to capture a younger audience with his Disney-like take, generating broad villainy with Walker and Jobe, while kids are basically the heroes of the picture, working with a “cool” adult to bring down brain-sucking control of VR living. Cori is added to help warm Dr. Trace up, with their once romantic relationship rekindled during the fight, and she conveniently provides access to Walker’s compound. Cori isn’t much of a character, but nobody really is in “Jobe’s War,” which is primarily focused on showcasing sets and visual effects, though “cyberspace” visits are unintentionally hilarious, watching the actors flop around in front of greenscreens while dangling from wires. I’m not sure what Mann was thinking with this idea.

Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.40:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers an older scan of the movie, with some baked-in filtering. Age is apparent during the viewing experience, providing a softer look at frame particulars. Some detail survives, exploring sharp facial features on Jobe and Benjamin's earthier appearance. Sets are reasonably dimensional, showcasing futuristic decoration, and a few trips outside offer deeper backgrounds. Colors are acceptable, securing the bright green hues of Jobe's VR realm, along with his gold supervillain suit. Flashier lighting also delivers primaries, while warmer tones are found with Benjamin's desert home. Delineation is acceptable. Source is in good condition.

Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix is a little chaotic at times, which is likely an inherent issue for a film that's desperate to seem exciting. Dialogue exchanges are clear, securing technobabble and dramatic efforts. Scoring is aggressive but not overwhelming, offering crisp orchestral instrumentation, working hard to create moods for the picture. Sound effects are active, and low-end is reasonably alert, doing well with explosions. Surrounds push out music and atmospherics, including city bustle and VR tours, with some mild separation effects.

Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (1:48, SD) for "Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace" is included.

Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Obviously, when one considers the limitless potential of VR confrontation, a sword fight between Jobe and Dr. Trace immediately comes to mind, right? Mann gets downright goofy for his grand finale, working his way to a resolution that doesn't exactly solve many problems, but remains charged up with heroics and villainy, along with additional time inside the greenscreen-opolis. "Jobe's War" is clearly made for pre-teen audiences capable of being wowed by futureworld wish-fulfillment, as it does little more than provide a noisy distraction for kids, downplaying connections to "The Lawnmower Man" and ideas on corrupt deities along the way, going the video game route to maximize box office potential. Spoiler alert: it didn't work.