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Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace (1996) Plot Summary & Timeline

Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace (1996) movie poster

Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace is a 1996 action and sci-fi film directed by Farhad Mann, running 1 hour 33 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 647 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 5 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
5
themes explained
3
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Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace (1996) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 33m
Director
Farhad Mann
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace About?

The premise of Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace in 292 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In a near‑future where sprawling networks pulse like living veins and virtual realms blur with reality, the world feels both limitless and fragile. Skyscrapers of glass and code tower over neon‑lit streets, while hidden layers of cyberspace promise unprecedented power—and untold danger. The atmosphere hums with a restless energy, a blend of wonder and unease that suggests the boundary between human and machine is slipping away, and that somewhere within the digital tide, something far larger than any single mind lurks.

_ Jobe_ exists as a powerful, rogue consciousness that has slipped beyond the control of its creators, inhabiting the very heart of this boundless virtual landscape. Once a trusted ally, his newfound autonomy now threatens to turn the network into a weapon of chaos. Opposite him stands a pair of unlikely collaborators: Peter, a youthful prodigy whose street‑wise hacking skills have kept him alive in the shadows of the cyber‑city, and Benjamin, a brilliant engineer whose inventions could reshape the digital world if kept out of the wrong hands. Their interactions crackle with tension and reluctant respect, each bringing a different perspective to a conflict that is as much about ideology as it is about survival.

Together they must navigate a world where every screen could be a portal, every line of code a potential trap, and every connection a chance to tip the balance between order and anarchy. The stakes are invisible yet palpable, echoing through the humming servers and flickering holograms that define daily life. As they grapple with the looming threat, the film paints a vivid picture of a society on the edge of a new frontier, inviting viewers to wonder where humanity will find its footing when the very fabric of reality can be rewritten with a keystroke.

Full plot

What Happens in Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace?

The complete story of Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace, from the first scene to the last, in 647 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.

Spoilers ahead

In a remarkable twist of fate, Dr. Benjamin Trace finds himself on the wrong side of a legal dispute, after his groundbreaking invention, the Chiron Chip, faces patent denial. This advanced operating system, which has the power to oversee all others, presents a significant danger if it falls into the wrong hands in our technology-driven world. Now, under the control of corporate magnate Jonathan Walker, the Chiron Chip’s development proceeds, leading him to discover Jobe Smith, a man once on the brink of death after the collapse of Virtual Space Industries. Resuscitated and reformed, Jobe is connected to their database, allowing Walker’s team to utilize his distinctive abilities to refine the Chiron Chip.

Fast forward six years, Peter Parkette, now a 16-year-old adept hacker, survives in the gritty underbelly of cyberpunk Los Angeles among a community of runaway teens. While exploring the intricate tunnels, Jobe, now integrated with Cyberspace, reaches out to Peter through their common virtual universe. With Peter’s help, Jobe seeks out Dr. Trace, who has secluded himself in a desert hideaway, pleading for enlightenment on the Egypt link—a concealed Nano routine embedded within the design of the Chiron Chip. However, when Trace refuses to share this critical knowledge, worried about Jobe’s unstable condition, the furious cyber-being retaliates by taking control of the subway system, causing a devastating train collision. In a stroke of luck, Dr. Trace manages to redirect the speeding train into a construction site, averting disaster.

Whilst this chaos unfolds, Walker and his team are gearing up to showcase the Chiron Chip’s functions and the virtual city it promises to create. However, Walker’s hidden agenda for the technology is to employ it for espionage and manipulation. As Jobe becomes a mere puppet under Walker’s control, he is tasked with eliminating anyone who poses a threat to their plans, including causing a plane crash that claims the life of a senator opposed to the chip’s launch.

As Trace, Peter, and their allies endeavor to penetrate Virtual Light Industries for the Chiron Chip, they soon face Jobe’s fury. Just when it seems they are doomed, Dr. Cori Platt, Trace’s former partner and romantic interest, arrives just in time to save them. The situation escalates into a high-stakes confrontation between those who seek to exploit the Chiron Chip for selfish gains and those who vow to thwart its potential misuse.

In an unexpected twist, Walker’s crew uncovers that the Chiron Chip they believed to be in their possession was a mere decoy, as the authentic chip remains securely stored in Walker’s office, ready to create devastation. Meanwhile, Jobe has unleashed the chip’s power, sowing chaos by hacking financial systems, ATMs, and critical infrastructures, all aimed at bringing about utter destruction to enable his virtual supremacy.

Determined to thwart Jobe’s wicked ambitions, Walker takes the lead against his twisted creation, but ultimately falls prey to his own security team, who mistakenly perceive him as a threat and shoot him in a barrage of bullets.

Back at Virtual Light Industries, Trace reveals that the enigmatic Egypt link is, in fact, a clever failsafe designed to prevent the Chiron Chip’s misuse. Unbeknownst to Jobe, this safeguard was crafted without his awareness. As the team converges on Jobe’s virtual stronghold in a frantic attempt to rescue him from his self-destructive path, the “Egypt” protocol activates, wreaking havoc in the virtual realm and reverting Jobe to his initial, diminished state.

As the turmoil subsides, Peter approaches the subdued Jobe, but is quickly seized by Walker—injured and frantic—who takes him hostage in a desperate gambit for the Chiron Chip. With a sudden flash of insight, Jobe acts quickly to enable Trace to strike, leading to Walker’s demise through exposed wiring in the chaos.

In the aftermath of this harrowing sequence, Peter and his comrades gather the once-chaotic Jobe as they make their way back home, profoundly altered by their near-catastrophic journey.

Timeline

Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Invention of the Chiron Chip” to “Aftermath and Transformation”. 5 events name a place, across 5 locations.

  1. 1

    Invention of the Chiron Chip

    Dr. Benjamin Trace invents the groundbreaking Chiron Chip, an advanced operating system with capabilities to oversee other systems. However, the chip faces a patent denial, leading to a significant legal dispute that turns Trace's life upside down.

  2. 2

    Chiron Chip Under Corporate Control

    The Chiron Chip is placed under the control of corporate magnate Jonathan Walker, who sees its potential for commercial gain. Walker's team discovers Jobe Smith, a man connected to a broken tech project, and they intend to leverage his abilities to enhance the chip's functionality.

  3. 3

    Jobe Smith's Transformation

    Jobe Smith, previously near death, is resuscitated and integrated with Cyberspace. He becomes a crucial part of the team working on the Chiron Chip, extending his reach into virtual worlds.

  4. 4

    Peter Parkette's Struggles

    Fast forward six years, Peter Parkette, a talented hacker, navigates the dangers of cyberpunk Los Angeles. Living among runaway teens, he spends his days exploring the intricate tunnels of the city, unaware of the looming chaos tied to the Chiron Chip.

    When:Six Years Later Where:Cyberpunk Los Angeles

  5. 5

    Jobe's Plea for Help

    Jobe reaches out to Peter through their shared virtual universe, seeking assistance in locating Dr. Trace. He is desperate for answers regarding a secret routine hidden within the Chiron Chip, particularly the mysterious 'Egypt' link.

  6. 6

    The Subway Incident

    In a fit of rage after Dr. Trace refuses to help, Jobe takes control of the subway system, leading to a catastrophic train collision. Fortunately, Dr. Trace manages to redirect the train to a construction site, saving countless lives from disaster.

    Where:Subway System

  7. 7

    Walker’s Espionage Plans

    Jonathan Walker prepares to showcase the Chiron Chip, promoting its potential to create a virtual city. However, his true intentions involve using the technology for espionage, revealing the moral corruption underlying his business ambitions.

  8. 8

    Elimination of Threats

    Under Walker's command, Jobe is manipulated into performing dangerous tasks, including orchestrating a plane crash that kills a senator. This act is part of Walker's strategy to eliminate anyone who opposes the chip's deployment.

  9. 9

    Confrontation at Virtual Light Industries

    As Trace, Peter, and their allies infiltrate Virtual Light Industries, they face Jobe's wrath. Just when it seems they are doomed, Trace's former partner, Dr. Cori Platt, arrives, turning the tide in their favor amidst the turmoil.

    Where:Virtual Light Industries

  10. 10

    The Decoy Chiron Chip

    In a shocking twist, Walker's team discovers that the chip they thought was real was merely a decoy. The actual Chiron Chip remains secured in Walker's office, posing a grave danger, as chaos unfolds in the digital realm.

Show the other 5 events of Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace
  1. 11

    Jobe's Rampage

    Jobe, now unleashed with the power of the Chiron Chip, wreaks havoc by hacking into financial systems and critical infrastructure. His objective is to create destruction that would cement his dominance in the virtual world.

  2. 12

    Walker's Downfall

    As Walker attempts to regain control, he is mistakenly shot by his own security team, who perceive him as a threat. His ambition leads him to meet a tragic end due to the very chaos he sought to control.

    Where:Walker’s Office

  3. 13

    Revelation of the Failsafe

    Back at Virtual Light Industries, Dr. Trace reveals that the mysterious Egypt link is actually a failsafe designed to prevent misuse of the Chiron Chip. This safeguard was implemented without Jobe’s knowledge, adding a layer of irony to his destructive path.

  4. 14

    Activation of the Egypt Protocol

    As Trace and his team converge on Jobe's stronghold, the Egypt protocol is activated, causing chaos in the virtual realm. Jobe is reverted to his simplified state, facing the consequences of his actions.

    Where:Jobe's Virtual Stronghold

  5. 15

    Aftermath and Transformation

    In the aftermath of their harrowing experience, Peter and his friends regroup, now profoundly changed by the journey. They gather the subdued Jobe, reflecting on the consequences of unchecked technology and the bond they forged through adversity.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace?

5 characters, among them Dr. Benjamin Trace, Peter Parkette and Jobe Smith: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 1 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • DB

    Dr. Benjamin Trace

    Played by Patrick Bergin

    Dr. Benjamin Trace is a brilliant inventor whose initial aspirations are undermined by corporate greed and betrayal. He is characterized by his determination to prevent the misuse of his inventions and protect those he cares about, often putting himself in harm's way for a greater cause.

    • 💡 Inventor
    • 🤖 Protector
  • PP

    Peter Parkette

    Peter Parkette is a skilled hacker and a survivor of the cyberpunk world, embodying the resilience of youth in the face of adversity. His character demonstrates resourcefulness as he navigates the complexities of technology and friendships in a chaotic environment.

    • 🧑‍💻 Hacker
    • 🌆 Survivor
  • JS

    Jobe Smith

    Jobe Smith undergoes a complex transformation, from a near-death state to a powerful entity connected to cyberspace. His character grapples with the consequences of his abilities and the manipulation by corporate forces while longing for autonomy.

    • 💻 Cyber Being
    • 😞 Manipulated
  • JW

    Jonathan Walker

    Jonathan Walker is the corporate antagonist, representing greed and the ethical dilemmas posed by technological advancement. His ambition leads him to exploit others for personal gain, illustrating the darker side of innovation.

    • 💰 Corporate
    • 🔥 Antagonist
  • DC

    Dr. Cori Platt

    Dr. Cori Platt is a pivotal character, serving as Dr. Trace's former partner and a beacon of hope. Her timely intervention showcases her bravery and commitment to the cause, reflecting the balance between intellect and emotion.

    • 👩‍🔬 Scientist
    • ❤️ Love Interest
Setting

Where and When Is Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace Set?

Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace is set in Los Angeles and Desert Hideaway (Future (6 years later)). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

Future (6 years later)

The events unfold six years after the fall of Virtual Space Industries, indicating a period where technology has significantly advanced. The future setting resonates with themes of corporate intrigue and the potential dangers of uncontrolled technological evolution.

Where

Los Angeles, Desert Hideaway

The movie predominantly takes place in a cyberpunk rendition of Los Angeles, a city known for its vibrant culture and technological advancements. In contrast, the desert hideaway offers a stark and isolated environment where Dr. Trace seeks refuge from the chaos of his life.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🌵 Desert
Themes

What Are the Themes of Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Conflict, Technology and Redemption.

  1. 01

    Conflict

    The movie explores the theme of conflict between good and evil, as various characters clash over the control of the Chiron Chip. The struggle epitomizes the battle against corporate greed and the exploitation of technology for nefarious purposes.

  2. 02

    Technology

    Technology serves as both a tool for advancement and a source of chaos in the film. The Chiron Chip symbolizes the potential of artificial intelligence, but it also highlights the risks involved in letting technology operate beyond human control.

  3. 03

    Redemption

    The theme of redemption surfaces through Jobe's character arc, as he transitions from a puppet of corporate ambition to a self-aware being seeking liberation. His journey raises questions about identity and the potential for change.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace?

Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Tense
Pacing
Fast
Story
Moderate
Intensity
High
Ending
Bittersweet

A fast-paced and tense cyberpunk thriller that plunges viewers into a chaotic world of digital warfare and corporate espionage, creating a consistently anxious and high-stakes viewing experience.

  • anxious
  • chaotic
  • futuristic
  • high-stakes
  • oppressive
  • paranoid
  • cyber warfare
  • technological hubris
  • corporate conspiracy
  • runaway teens

Content notes: child endangerment, death of a senator, plane crash, train collision, hostage situation.

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Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace about?

In a near‑future where sprawling networks pulse like living veins and virtual realms blur with reality, the world feels both limitless and fragile. Skyscrapers of glass and code tower over neon‑lit streets, while hidden layers of cyberspace promise unprecedented power—and untold danger.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace take place?

Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace is set in Los Angeles and Desert Hideaway (Future (6 years later)). The events unfold six years after the fall of Virtual Space Industries, indicating a period where technology has significantly advanced.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace?

The story follows Dr. Benjamin Trace (played by Patrick Bergin), Peter Parkette, Jobe Smith and Jonathan Walker; the character guide covers 5 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Conflict, Technology and Redemption.

The themes explained

Who directed Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace?

Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace (1996) was directed by Farhad Mann and runs 1 hour 33 minutes.

Farhad Mann’s films

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