Stars: Michael Jai White, John Leguizamo, Martin Sheen, D.B. Sweeney, Nicol Williamson, Theresa Randle, Miko Hughes, Melinda Clarke, Frank Welker, Sydni Beaudoin, Caroline Gibson, Robia La Morte, Michael Papajohn, Todd McFarlane

Director: Mark Dippe

Summary: Al Simmons makes a pact with the devil, five years after his murder, so that he can see his wife for one last time. Unfortunately, in exchange, he has to agree to lead Hell's Army in the destruction of mankind - and is reborn as Spawn.

The ambitious, visually extravagant big-screen adaptation of comic artist Todd McFarlane's popular eponymous Gothic serial, helmed by first-timer Dippe (formerly of Industrial Light & Magic). After burning to death in the munitions factory he was commanded to destroy, a reluctant CIA operative strikes up an uneasy bargain with the devil--he'll lead the armies of Hell in their war against the earth in exchange for the opportunity to see his wife from afar. Available in the original theatrical version and in an R-rated director's cut.

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After being murdered for quitting his role as a ruthless yet moral government assassin, Al Simmons (Michael Jai White) is sent to Hell, where he makes a pact with the demon Malebolgia--if Simmons is allowed to see his lover, Wanda, again, he will agree to lead the demon's armies to storm the gates of Heaven. Transformed into a superhuman entity with shape-shifting powers and quick regeneration capabilities, Simmons (soon to be dubbed "Spawn" by Malebolgia's crony, the Violator) returns to Earth and attempts to reunite with Wanda, not knowing that five years have passed. He also seeks revenge on his former boss and killer, Jason Wynn (Martin Sheen), who has made a deal with the Violator to develop a lethal virus to take over the world, where Wynn is promised to be king. Spawn wages an inner battle between good and evil as he tries to come to terms with selling his soul and what it could mean for humankind. Despite excellent special effects and great potential, Spawnseems to come up short. While White certainly displays verve in his characterisation of the twisted hero, he cannot overcome some forced dialogue. On the flip side, the usually engaging John Leguizamo portrays the sinister Violator--an evil monster masquerading as a rotund, weird-looking clown--as an irritating lackey who spews overbearing sarcasm and incessantly banal one-liners. Admitted, many of Spawn's action sequences are fun, and the transitions effectively brisk, but more could have been done to explore how Simmons grapples with his humanity in these daunting circumstances. But if you want sizzling action sequences and digital effects, this film should keep you happy. --Bryan Reesman

Aspect Ratio:	1.85 Wide Screen
Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Commentary Audio Track, Todd McFarlane Chapter And Verse Interview, The Making Of, Filter And The Crystal Method Music Video
Subtitles:	English
Year:	1997
Release Date:	June 28, 1999
Runtime:	94 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	E D V 9002
Keywords:	General, Cut, Drama, Spawn, Director's
Genre:	Drama