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Crossworlds

Crossworlds is a 1996 American science fiction film starring Rutger Hauer, Josh Charles, Andrea Roth, Stuart Wilson and Jack Black, and directed by Krishna Rao. The film, Rao's feature directorial debut, received mixed reviews but is remembered for its special effects as well as the presence of Hauer.

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Jun 25, 2026
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Crossworlds
Directed byKrishna Rao
Written byKrishna Rao
Raman Rao
StarringRutger Hauer
Josh Charles
Andrea Roth
Stuart Wilson
Jack Black
Music byChristophe Beck
Production
company
Distributed byTrimark
Release date
  • February 14, 1996 (1996-02-14)
Running time
90 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Crossworlds is a 1996 American science fiction film starring Rutger Hauer, Josh Charles, Andrea Roth, Stuart Wilson and Jack Black, and directed by Krishna Rao.12 The film, Rao's feature directorial debut, received mixed reviews but is remembered for its special effects as well as the presence of Hauer.

Plot

College student Joe is drawn into a battle to save the world from arch-enemy Ferris. Joe's heirloom pendant just happens to be the key to a sceptre that opens doors to the Crossworlds, another dimension. When Laura shows up to check on the key and Ferris' goons begin their assaults, they run to semi-retired adventurer A.T. for help and guidance.

Cast

Production

The film was Rao's first feature.3 The cast also include Jack Black in an early role.4

Special effects were made by Digital Drama. The film was shot in Los Angeles, Lone Pine, and El Mirage Dry Lake, California, USA.

Reception

Creature Feature gave the movie 2 out of 5 stars, finding the low budget a detriment.5 A review in Mad Movies also stated the films would have required more important means to achieve its ambitions.6 Another issue of the same magazine found the character of Joe irritating and stated: "Some new digital effects and the harsh presence of Rutger Hauer may console the last admirers of B-movies deprived of any surprising features."7 The production was judged "tedious more than exciting" by Howard Maxford.8 The film was however also described as "a fun sci fi action-fantasy with excellent FX"9 and as "offer[ing] adventure, fighting, fantasy and a good dose of special effects, created by the team that made possible, among other films, Batman Forever, Demolition Man and Mortal Kombat."10

References

References

  1. Laser Video Guide. NVI Publishing Group. 1997.
  2. Martín, Jerónimo José (1998). Cine ...: críticas y fichas téchnicas de todas las películas estrenadas en ... (in Spanish). Ediciones Palabra. ISBN 978-84-8239-237-0.
  3. https://www.moriareviews.com/sciencefiction/crossworlds-1997.htm
  4. Jolliffe, Tom (May 29, 2025). "6 Great Rutger Hauer Sci-Fi Films That Aren't Blade Runner". Flickering Myth. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
  5. Stanely, J. (2000) Creature Feature #rd Edition
  6. mad movies magazine (April 21, 2024). Mad Movies 105.
  7. mad movies magazine (February 27, 2025). Mad Movies 183.
  8. Maxford, Howard (1997). The A-Z of science fiction & fantasy films. Internet Archive. London : Batsford. ISBN 978-0-7134-8265-2.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: publisher location (link)
  9. Davies, Clive (March 6, 2015). Spinegrinder: The Movies Most Critics Won't Write About. SCB Distributors. ISBN 978-1-909394-06-3.
  10. Cambio 16 (in Spanish). Información y Revistas, S.A. 1997.
External links