Review of Mad Max 2 (1981) by Liam C — 19 Apr 2015

This is an outstanding sequel that really shows what Miller probably would have liked to have done previously if he had the budget. This film really develops its world not only visually, with an excellent soundtrack that complement each other but with what it has become, a lot has happened since the last time we saw Max and it's really believable; the film is packed with beautiful and epic shots that are just amazing to look at. Max also feels like he is given more to do in this film despite only having about 16 lines of dialogue, which was a shock to read after the film, as the script is great as well. The story has a 'For a Few Dollars More' feel to it and even Max himself feels like a character from that film, they even call him, 'Man with No Name', in the next film. Nevertheless, it's totally solid, it is built up in a very believable way and it's totally thrilling to watch, I thought the gasoline people were going to be the villains at first but it all works out. I also like how some of what happens isn't explained but is just told through imagery, which happens all throughout this trilogy but the ending of this film had it in particular. Max now has a dog and also has some more characters to interact with this time, with one following him around but saying that, I liked Bruce Spence's character, we don't know what to make of him at first and I thought it was a little odd for Max to free his hands after a while because who knows what he could have done but he's harmless, funny and a good addition, even though his character did just disappear for a while. The ending of this film is spectacular to watch and the long highway is an excellent place to film and everything that happens just keeps escalating and it keeps doing new things and of course, the fact that it is all actually happening makes it all the more greater and immersive but the leader of the town really should have kept his eyes on the road.

My only real complaint with the film is with what some of the clothes that the gang wear, yeah this is a post-apocalypse so they're not exactly going to be wearing battle armour but I found it a bit odd how they all left so much skin exposed, despite all the obvious fights they were going to get into. What Max wears is pretty much the same as the last film but it has little changes that are very well connected with the last film. One of the major members of the gang had assless chaps and that was odd to see but it wasn't as bad as his friend literally having his whole chest on display; but even that wasn't as bad as the leader who literally had about 97% of his body exposed and it was goofy to see, I know that is mostly the point with the villains wearing black and the heroes wearing but still. But hey, a member of this group couldn't see that one of the children that was pretty much right under his nose was making noises to distract him and the leader had the fuel to his car exposed, so you just have to go with the ride. The film also had a very odd introduction that would seem to be something that would be used in the first film but given how the film ends and the fact that the first film had limited release around the world, it has a double purpose. Also, at some points, footage would just randomly speed up.

I want more of these films, this world and this character just feel like they have so many stories to tell and this is just one of the many escapades that we get to see. 'Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior' is an excellent sequel with strong acting and total commitment by everyone involved and really stands out well.