Riverworld (2003)

Riverworld (2003)
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Adapted from a series of novels by science fiction icon Philip Jose Farmer, the made-for-cable Riverworld is set on a distant planet where famous historical characters are reincarnated in a young, attractive,and healthy form. After his death in a space accident, Earth astronaut Hale (Brad Johnson) is reborn on Riverworld, where, much to his amazement, he rubs shoulders with dozens of past celebrities, from Mark Twain to the Emperor Nero. Hale is told that anyone who has ever lived on Earth at any time in history is qualified to start life anew on Riverworld -- even if that person is a space alien who just happened to be Earthbound at the time of his demise. But before he can jump to the conclusion that Riverworld is the intergalactic version of Heaven, Hale quickly learns that all is not well in this faraway land. Greed, mistrust, and tribal warfare are the principal "industries" in Riverworld, with many of Earth's past villains (Nero, in particular) hoping to exploit their new lives in order to resume their wicked ways. Moreover, the residents are constantly monitored by a tribe of sinister, hooded figures who occasionally intervene in the action whenever they feel that things are getting out of control -- their control. Organizing a rebellion, Hale leads several other reincarnated souls on an arduous journey along the river that girdles the planet, hoping to learn the secret of Riverworld and convert its hellish aspects into something resembling paradise. Riverworld made its Sci-Fi Channel debut March 22, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Director(s):
Kari Skogland
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Riverworld

Adapted from a series of novels by science fiction icon Philip Jose Farmer, the made-for-cable Riverworld is set on a distant planet where famous historical characters are reincarnated in a young, attractive,and healthy form. After his death in a space accident, Earth astronaut Hale (Brad Johnson) is reborn on Riverworld, where, much to his amazement, he rubs shoulders with dozens of past celebrities, from Mark Twain to the Emperor Nero. Hale is told that anyone who has ever lived on Earth at any time in history is qualified to start life anew on Riverworld -- even if that person is a space alien who just happened to be Earthbound at the time of his demise. But before he can jump to the conclusion that Riverworld is the intergalactic version of Heaven, Hale quickly learns that all is not well in this faraway land. Greed, mistrust, and tribal warfare are the principal "industries" in Riverworld, with many of Earth's past villains (Nero, in particular) hoping to exploit their new lives in order to resume their wicked ways. Moreover, the residents are constantly monitored by a tribe of sinister, hooded figures who occasionally intervene in the action whenever they feel that things are getting out of control -- their control. Organizing a rebellion, Hale leads several other reincarnated souls on an arduous journey along the river that girdles the planet, hoping to learn the secret of Riverworld and convert its hellish aspects into something resembling paradise. Riverworld made its Sci-Fi Channel debut March 22, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
90 mins

Complete Cast of Riverworld


Director(s):
Kari Skogland
Producer(s):
Peter BrayJanine Dickins
Categories:
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
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    David O.

    Fantastic film based on a great concept (and great series of books). It was made for cable, so it didn't have the budget to let it live up to its potential. Also, I felt it was a bit too short. The characters were mostly believable and more than one-dimensional. Nero's character was great; I liked the insight into his thinking and his own code of ethics.

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    Eric Y.

    Never read the books. As made-for-TV-SciFi goes, it was not bad. The first 1/2 hour was very intriguing. Later it grew into a basic pirate movie and became rather predictable. Sure wish we found out who/what/why they were there (in the movie).

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    Jessey D.

    I didn’t read the books (?) either, but I really want to know what happens next. I kept looking for the other chapter or episode. The last scene is titled, (Simi quote - I already sent it back) ‘The Journey Begins.’ Why would the journey “begin” now, it’s the last scene? I would just like you to prepare yourself, it is one of "those" movies. The kind where the director wants you to talk to your friends about how it ends the next day, but really we were just making fun of the lame and unimaginative special effects. Yah, but it is made for cable. I wouldn’t say it was a complete waste of time, I watch the whole thing. I just want to know what happened to the ending?

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