Jean-Claude Van Damme's '80s Cyberpunk Movie Is A Perfect 82-Minute Retro Sci-Fi Watch

These days, Jean-Claude Van Damme needs no introduction. The Muscles from Brussels was one of the biggest action movie stars on the planet in the '80s and '90s, with movies like "Kickboxer" and "Universal Soldier" among the myriad of cult classics in his oeuvre. That said, we have Albert Pyun's "Cyborg" to thank for helping put Van Damme on the map, even if the movie isn't discussed as often as it should be in modern times.

"Cyborg" is one of many '80s sci-fi movies that deserves some reappraisal. The story follows the awesomely named Gibson Rickenbacker, a mercenary tasked with saving a cyborg woman who could save humanity from its post-apocalyptic woes. Of course, there are bad guys out there who want her for their own nefarious means, forcing Gibson into to start throwing some kicks.

Critics weren't kind to "Cyborg" following its release. The film boasts an abysmal 22% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with some dismissing it as a knock-off of more popular sci-fi action films. However, it isn't the only Van Damme sci-fi movie to receive negative reviews that went on to become a cult classic, so take the naysayers' opinions with a pinch of salt.

Despite the negative feedback, "Cyborg" was a box office success, turning Van Damme into a household name and establishing him as a bona fide on-screen roundhouse kick extraordinaire. So, why should action fans add Pyun's classic to their watch lists?

"Cyborg" comes from The Cannon Group, an upstart movie studio that produced some of the '80s' greatest schlock flicks. Without Cannon, Chuck Norris might not have become the star he became, and Sylvester Stallone wouldn't have gotten to make glorious projects like "Cobra." Cannon flicks revel in excess, and "Cyborg" is no different. The villain's are deranged, the characters are named after guitars, and the story is essentially a collection of gung-ho set-pieces. What's not to love?

"Cyborg" also exists thanks to Cannon's planned "Spider-Man" movie and "Masters of the Universe" sequel not coming to fruition. The studio invested lots of money into making sets and costumes for the unrealized flicks, and "Cyborg" was designed to use them. Still, for a movie that was born from the parts of projects that fell apart, it's highly entertaining.

Be that as it may, everyone watches movies like "Cyborg" hoping for action, and it delivers. Jean-Claude Van Damme's character does most of his talking with his fists and feet — he was so committed to the role that he allegedly beat up some of his co-stars for real while filming the fight scenes. Still, the film's behind-the-scenes controversies didn't derail the star's momentum, as Van Damme became the man afterward.