“Soldier” (1998) tells the story of a soldier, Todd 3465 (Kurt Russell), who is trained from birth to be the perfect fighting machine. Deemed obsolete by a new breed of genetically-engineered soldiers, Todd is discarded and left for dead on a desolate waste planet. There, he is reluctantly taken in by a community of defenseless, stranded wayfarers.

Had this sci-fi action film been released in the 80s, it likely would have garnered rave reviews and achieved box office success. Unfortunately, it was released in the late 90s, a period crowded with hugely popular action movies, resulting in negative reviews and poor box office performance. However, over the years, “Soldier” has gained a huge cult following, highlighting its status as a hidden gem.

The movie features a great plot, impressive special effects for its time, and thrilling action sequences. The performances of a talented ensemble cast, including Jason Scott Lee, Jason Isaacs, Connie Nielsen, Sean Pertwee, Michael Chiklis, Gary Busey, and notably Kurt Russell, elevate the film even further. Coupled with a fantastic score by Joel McNeely, “Soldier” is a 90s movie that deserves much more recognition and praise.