Retro Film Review: DNA (1996)

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(Edited)

(source: tmdb.org)

In mid 1990s Mark Dacascos began to build reputation of a film martial arts expert who could act. So, B-films with Dacascos in leading role were supposed to be better or at least more tolerable than the average. However, there were some projects that someone
with Dacascos' talents couldn't save. One of such films was DNA, 1996 science fiction horror film directed by William Mesa.

The plot of this film starts in jungles of Sarawak. Dr. Ash Mattley (played by Mark Dacascos) is a physician who had been raised by Sarawak natives and wants to repay them by taking care of their health. In the meantime, he works on an enzyme who could increase human body's capability in fighting various diseases. In that he is not very successful so he agrees to help Dr. Carl Weissinger (played by Jurgen Prochnow) in his jungle expedition. The aim of the expedition is to find a rare insect whose body contains the enzyme. Once they locate the enzyme, it turns out that Weissinger had other, more sinister plans that involved Balacau, mysterious monster from local legends. Mattley is double-crossed and two years later he agrees to help CIA agent Claire Sommers (played by Robin McKee) in locating Weissinger and his facilities. Ash also helps Matzu (played by Thomas Taus Jr.), native boy whose people are massacred by mysterious creature.

The title of this film suggests film makers being inspired by the news of successful sheep cloning. Scriptwriter Nick Davis uses "cool" title only as an excuse for shameless rip-off of Indiana Jones films, Jurassic Park and Predator. Director William Mesa had opportunity for parody of those films, but he instead took the more conventional approach, obviously not suitable for film's low budget and corresponding level of talents. The result is predictable, boring film marked by uninspired acting and huge plot holes. Mesa has begun his career as special effects expert and at times DNA provides nice examples of film magic; at other times, probably because of budget limitations, special effects are terrible. The only consistently good thing about DNA are beautiful Filipino locations, but they are hardly the reason for this film to receive passing grade.

RATING: 2/10 (-)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on June 2nd 2003)

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