Johnny Mnemonic
Performance & Direction: Johnny Mnemonic Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Johnny Mnemonic (1995) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Science Fiction.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and Johnny Mnemonic features a noteworthy lineup led by Keanu Reeves . Supported by the likes of Dina Meyer and Takeshi Kitano , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Johnny Mnemonic
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1995, Johnny Mnemonic is a Science Fiction, Action, Adventure film directed by Robert Longo. The narrative explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Keanu Reeves.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. In a dystopian 2021, Johnny is a data trafficker who has an implant that allows him to securely store data too sensitive for regular computer networks. On one delivery run, he accepts a package that not only exceeds the implant's safety limits—and will kill him if the data is not removed in time—but also contains information far more important and valuable than he had ever imagined. On a race against time, he must avoid the assassins sent to kill him and remove the data before it, too, ends his life. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Johnny Mnemonic
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Robert Longo, Johnny Mnemonic attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to science fiction resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension involving Keanu Reeves, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Johnny Mnemonic reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Johnny Mnemonic?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Science Fiction films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Johnny Mnemonic
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $25.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $19.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Johnny Mnemonic Budget
The estimated production budget for Johnny Mnemonic is $25.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Johnny Mnemonic
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Where to Watch Johnny Mnemonic Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeJohnny Mnemonic Parents Guide & Age Rating
1995 AdvisoryWondering about Johnny Mnemonic age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Johnny Mnemonic is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, Johnny Mnemonic is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1995 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Johnny Mnemonic worth watching?
Johnny Mnemonic is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Johnny Mnemonic parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Johnny Mnemonic identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Johnny Mnemonic?
The total duration of Johnny Mnemonic is 97 minutes, which is approximately 1h 37m long.
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Critic Reviews for Johnny Mnemonic
Decent watch, probably won't watch again, and can't recommend past a Bad Movie Night. What a trip in the way back machine to see the inspiration for "The Matrix", maybe more of an homage to "Lawnmover Man", but very clearly they didn't have the capability to what they actually wanted to do with the movie. The best things are clearly Dina Meyer ("Starship Troopers": Dizzy) and the "Hot Garotte" lazer whip thing, why haven't more movies used that? Clearly Keanu Reeves did his best to try to hold this thing together, but the writing isn't that great, despite have a pretty good story and world to it. It's really dated, but it's good enough I would actually like to see a reboot of this. There isn't a lot to say: the production and execution fell short and it's just not worth going back to watch this one.
Perhaps back in 1995 the year 2021 did seem like it was an aeon away, but now that we are all actually here, this film really does struggle to resonate on just about every level. Keanu Reeves is a good looking star, but that's about the height of it. The scenario is nothing new - mankind is dependent on technology and about to be subject to a criminally backed corporation's attempts to dominate us. This time, it falls to our hero and his semi-luddite pals to access a micro-chip embedded in his brain to save humanity from oblivion. It's quickly paced, to be fair, and the star does an adequate job trying to keep one step ahead of his deadly, if not terribly effective, Yakuza pursuers but the dialogue is flat (and not terribly audible) and the supporting cast - drawn from a collection of B-listers, musicians and featuring the discobolus-like Dolph Lundgren as baddie-in-chief just follows a join the dots pattern. Maybe it's unfair to look back on it after 25 years with today's eyes - but sadly, like so many of these films, neither the talent not the visuals really stand the test of time at all well. It wasn't great then, it certainly isn't now
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
