Android

Built to succeed in Roger Corman's exploitation labs, this is a remarkably skilful first feature; its space-locked power struggles are in the same perilous future as Blade Runner, but a witty script and concise action supplant the flash and portent of megabucks sets. Kinski is Dr Daniel, illegally engaged in advanced android research, while his less advanced android assistant Max (Opper) zaps space invaders and teaches himself the history of an Earth he's never seen with rock'n'roll and sex instruction tapes. The abrupt arrival of three fugitive convicts brings the woman Daniel needs to activate his Cassandra project, and begins a dangerous sentimental education for Max, since - unlike the characters in his pet video of Capra's It's a Wonderful Life - these men and women seem doomed to conflict. The result is an enjoyable genre film which never loses its sense of humour, and manages an upbeat ending instead of smoke, symbols and angst.