Mad Max 2: Sequels Aren't Always Bad

The Road Warrior tells the story of a man named Max, a lone wanderer in a nuclear wasteland build on gasoline. People have moved away from the cities and into this desolate wasteland. Max comes across a oil refinery,in the midst of a war. A group of people defend it whilst a bloodthirsty motor gang has them under seige.

In light of the announcement that another Mad Max film was coming, Mad Max: Fury Road, I decided to pick this film because it was one of my favorite movies in terms of set and character design, which I find much interest in. The sheer influence this film has had on the post apocalyptic genre, not just in film, but the lucrative video game market as well, also urged me to review it. I wanted to show people the movie that influenced some of their favorite games and movies, from Borderlands to Fallout To Heartbreak Ridge to even a 2Pac album. Filmmakers Guillermo Del Toro, David Fincher, James Cameron, and Robert Rodríguez have cited Mad Max 2 as one of their favorite movies.

Mad Max truly portrays the time period it was made in. It was a time of gas prices soaring to an all time high, Trucker movies were all the rage, and no CG meant all practical effects and stunts. These are all beautifully executed, and even now Mad Max stands the test of time and is considered one of the greatest stunt movies of all time. For example the final chase scene of max defending an oil tanker truck from multiple cars includes stuntmen hoping from car to car, onto the truck, falling off and being crushed, riding on the outer part of the truck at high speed.
Mel Gibson (in one of his earliest roles) plays a superb max, supported by a wonderful Bruce Spence as the air captain. The characters are all memorable in some way; the tricky scoundrel in his gyro, the strong captain Papagello, the insane old man/genera ( who has a samurai sword)l, the old and wise woman, the young “sex appeal” and the feral boy. The production design of this movie is amazing, probably the defining feature of the film. The cars , the the costumes, and even the landscape itself have a character of their own. The score of the film is by Brian May, and it is of an archetypical "fantasy-late 70's early 80's" sound, even having some visceral quality of the ET score. The film is set in the Australian Outback, which is perfect for a post apocalyptic action movie based on vehicle combat. The cinematography of this film is breathtaking. When you first switch from the full screen intro to anamorphic widescreen, you know an epic movie is about to unfold, on par with Dorothy’s change into technicolor.

Every film has its flaws. In Mad Max these prove to be minor with substance, rather average than lacking of. These average traits include average lighting, which works but doesn't impress, which makes sense for an action movie.

In conclusion,Mad Max is a stunning work of art that influenced many IP’s of today. It’s gritty texture, it’s stunning visuals and unique production design make it one of my favorite films of all time. It is a “classic” but by no means is it boring. It a high octane action movie on par with any one made today. 30 years later it hasn't lost it’s touch, and i with gas prices skyrocketing once again, it hasn't lost its core message either I give the film a 10 out of 10. It is a must see movie that might inspire you as well.