Hardware (1990)

 

The head of a cyborg reactivates, rebuilds itself, and goes on a violent rampage in a space marine's girlfriend's apartment. 

Good-looking sci-fi thriller despite its low budget is a noteworthy achievement, although there are many derivative elements in its plot and effects.

Halliwell*: "A low-budget science-fiction horror story, filmed in the style of a rock music video."

Maltin**: "Surprisingly well made, but recalls many earlier (and better) films. Heavy violence nearly earned this an X rating, before it was trimmed." 

Hollywood (2020)

A group of aspiring actors and filmmakers in post-World War II Hollywood try to make it big - no matter the cost.

An interesting premise is carried out with excellent period detail and a superb cast, but over the time its sugary political correctness seems more like a whitewashing rather than an ironic criticism of Hollywood history, which was obviously the intention; nevertheless, lots to enjoy along the way.

The Clovehitch Killer (2018)

A picture-perfect family is shattered when the work of a serial killer hits too close to home.

Smalltown serial killer drama is intense, suspenseful with some unusual twists and well-played, and has some satirical wit; the Evangelical fundamentalism of almost all of the townspeople, however, is actually more frightening than the killer.

Survivor (2015)

A Foreign Service Officer in London tries to prevent a terrorist attack set to hit New York City, but is forced to go on the run when she is framed for crimes she did not commit.

Although the plot is far-fetched and quite contrived, it is well-made and quite suspenseful; and Brosnan finally gets a role as the bad guy he can bites his teeth into.

Autómata (2014)

An insurance agent of a robotics corporation investigates cases of robots violating their primary protocols against altering themselves, and what he discovers will have profound consequences for the future of humanity.

Intelligent sci-fi tale with a good cast and an intriguing story has some scenic post-apocalyptic settings and holds one's attention to the touching ending, although it does drag on in spots.

Olympus Has Fallen (2013)

A disgraced former Presidential guard finds himself trapped inside the White House in the wake of a terrorist attack; using his inside knowledge, he works with national security to rescue the President from his kidnappers.

The similarities to White House Down are amazing, and this action thriller is just as silly, but by far not as much fun.

Maltin**1/2: "Nonstop action is the order of the day in this disaster film...The story is far-fetched and some of the characters deeply stereotyped but Fuqua keeps it all moving along; if you don't care about credibility it's reasonably entertaining, mindless fun."