Frozen in 1996, Phoenix (Snipes), a convicted killer is thawed out for parole in the year 2032.

Let loose into a crime free society, Phoenix resumes his reckless rampage and wreaks havoc upon the 21st century with no one to stop him.

Spartan (Stallone), the cop who captured Phoenix in 1996, was also cryogenically frozen (for a crime he didn't commit) and he too is released and reinstated as a police officer in a desperate bid to return Phoenix to his icy cell.

Dominated by special effects-heavy action and futuristic phaser guns, the film still finds room for a quite a few good lines which Snipes and Stallone handle rather well.

This breakneck, brash, and surprisingly funny blockbuster takes a very original look into the future where cops are non-aggressive peace officers; nicotine, caffeine, and the transfer of bodily fluids have been outlawed; and there are fines for swearing.

It was never going to win an Oscar, but it remains brilliantly tongue-in-cheek and provides nearly two hours of pure entertainment. Best viewed with this in mind.

Dominic Bloch