If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny

I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

There's something very comforting for me about watching Christopher Lambert in the nineties sci-fi/action movie 'Fortress.' It's like revisiting an old friend in a comfortable environment. Yes, it's fair to say that anyone who was basically in their early teenage years of watching films would find this film particularly deep and thought provoking (like I did at the time). Now, over twenty years (and several thousand) films later, my cynical and jaded eyes see it for what it is – a load of nonsense (but kind of good fun nonsense if you're in the mood).Sometime in the near future pregnancies are controlled and anyone having a child without government approval (or something) is imprisoned in the most hellish of judicial facilities imaginable. The opening scene shows us Christopher Lambert and his pregnant wife attempting to flee the country, but getting caught in the process. Guess where they end up? The titular 'Fortress' is a prison (tower) buried under the ground in the desert where escape is 'impossible' (yeah, in the same way that 'no one' had ever won 'The Running Man' until Arnie had a go).Once imprisoned, Lambert is subjected to all the usual prison movie tropes, including clichéd cellmates, aggressive bully-type alpha-male prisoners and – of course – the fascist warden in charge, this time played by Kurtwood Smith (or that-baddie-in-Robocop to most of us). Whereas most of the film is pretty run-of-the-mill, Kurtwood does his best to turn in a pretty sinister and menacing performance. Of course there are some pretty big stretches in the plot which are designed to further the story rather than be realistic. These are things like the warden just so happening to fall in love with Lambert's wife (like our hero needed any extra excuses for hating the man in charge of the barbaric facility).The sets are pretty bland. In fact, the sets are sets – pure and simple. Grey walls with people wandering around in orange jumpsuits. The special effects aren't that special and the dialogue is a bit corny here and there. All in all, it's probably not the greatest of films and it's no wonder that it's been pretty much forgotten compared to the classic action films of the decade. And yet, I stand by my original statement. Watching 'Fortress' takes me back to my childhood, so, yes, a lot of my appreciation of this film stems from my nostalgia of the era. It's a simple film from a simpler time.I doubt it would hold up today against the current crop of action movies. It wasn't much more than a 'straight-to-video' affair back in its day, but, like I say, if you're looking for a slightly dated, more simple action movie then this one is worth a watch if you feel like wasting an hour and a half. The deeper meaning I may have once seen has long since been painted over by clichés and cheesy nonsense, but I like that sort of thing.

Stellar, stellar, STELLAR film from Stuart Gordan. And also a mind blowing excellent performance from Christopher Lambert. Praise for the amazing script, the action sequences, and the tense music soundtrack. Buckle your asses up, your in for the ride of your life...in an underground prison. Your odds of escape from this prison? 0 percent! The movie grabs you by your throat, and does not let go...and really seems to know what its doing to keep your interest. Set in the year 2017 ( shut up, this is a 1993 movie), a man finds himself in the heart of a crime riddled, very unique prison...and he wants out! Finding a way out is not going to be easy, the odds are against him, and with an illegal baby on board, time is not on his side. He must find the right people, the right time, and step on the right platforms ( you'll see) to make it out of the prison in one piece. Stuart Gordan, a horror giant icon from the 80's who helmed flicks such as Dolls and From Beyond, he has gently discarded the horror to the side, and set forth on a project so much better. ( Fortress 2? Don't bother. The goods are here!) It is fast paced, keeps you on edge, and keeps you watching and your heart beating...and considering the age of this movie, it has aged very well, ripening the rating for this film. 8 out of 10 stars. Great job, guys and gals...take a look at this, you film maker wannabees these days, because THIS is how it's done!

Fortress - great movie about high-tech prison of future. I liked Christopher Lambert since Highlander and i like Fortress since childhood. It's cool movie with good action, plot and characters (though they are a cliché). But interesting to watch. Any time. Great movie which exist in my mind without sequel. Awesome actors like Kertwood Smith are on background make it only better. May not agree that it's version of Lock up with great Sly Stallone, it's just have similar plot. Little advice: never put your slogan as your password.Pros: +Young Lambert.+co-stars. +action. +goreCons: -sequel

"Fortress" is a movie which has to do with the resulting of a prison experience and this is the main subject of this movie. In this movie we observe how a person change in prison and how is there a possibility of changing in a better way. In this movie we observe how a family with an illegal baby tries to pass the population control and it shows how they feel, what are their emotions and all of that staff.I liked this movie because of the plot and the story of it and because of the interpretation of Christopher Lambert who plays as John Henry Brennick and he did a great job. I also liked the interpretation of Kurtwood Smith who plays as the Prison Director Poe.Finally I have to tell you that this movie shows us the differences between a free man and a man in prison and it also shows us how is it to be in prison.