The once eye-popping special effects are the real attraction of this science-fiction tale, which is vaguely based on a Stephen King short story. Otherwise, it's notable only for its attempt to combine a variation on the Frankenstein theme with the cinematic opportunities offered by "virtual reality". Pierce Brosnan plays the misguided scientist - is there any other kind? - who selects his simple-minded gardener (Jeff Fahey) as a guinea pig for his experiments with hi-tech teaching aids and intelligence-boosting drugs. The film offers shades of everything from My Fair Lady to Carrie, and also boasts cinema's first known cybersex scene.

A simple man is turned into a genius through the application of computer science.