An unexpected take on the intelligent, gun-toting gorilla trope, Six-Gun Gorilla delivers a biting commentary on pop culture and the sycophantic nature of reality television. In the 22nd century, Earth colonizes a mysterious world known as “The Blister.” As often happens, a civil war breaks out but unlike previous such incursions, the action is played out live on vidscreens for the entertainment of the Earth’s populace. Implanted with recording devices, blue coats, Earthers wanting to die, fight against the rebels. One such suicidal soldier goes rogue and joins up with a unique companion: a bio-surgically modified silverback gorilla.

Using this backdrop, Spurrier adroitly explores the confluence of the past and present, haves and have-nots, the observed and the observers, and violence and pacifism. Newcomer Stokely stylistically and expertly renders the proceedings. The highly recommended Six-Gun Gorilla offers a clever and diverting piece science fiction/western entertainment. ( )