In 1981, David Cronenberg gave the world Scanners. Though labeled as being part of the horror genre by many for its level of gore, Scanners and its sequels were really Science Fiction films that were well ahead of their time. Just as Brian Lumley’s Necroscope series is likely the best depiction of psionics in literature, Scanners is one of the best in the world of movies.
Scanners II opens with the police in a big city capturing a Scanner (aka a “psionicist” or person with mental powers such as telepathy, telekinesis, etc.) They don’t take him to jail, however. A high up member of the police force is part of secret project that plans to use Scanners to take over. The problem he encounters, however, is that the drug being used to control his Scanners is also rendering them powerless and killing them. David Kellum, an innocent Scanner, is dragged into the program and discovers its dark secrets and goals. David is left with no choice but try to stop the corruption even if it costs him his life and family.
With a truly interesting story, great use of psychic powers, and over the top special effects for its time, Scanners II sets a standard that modern day films should still be striving to reach.
