Review of Mad Max 2 (1981) by Vikram K — 20 May 2012

Due to its Australian production, most US moviegoers did not see dystopian action flick Mad Max until years later (other than a small limited release in 1980), long after the sequel, The Road Warrior (AKA Mad Max 2 in non-US territories) was shown in American cinemas.

As my review may recall, I enjoyed the first Mad Max a great deal, but I felt that it was an imperfect 70s action movie, that didn't really capture the feel of a post-apocalyptic Earth. Rather, it showed a world in decline, one headed for apocalypse but not quite there yet.

And maybe that's the difference between Mad Max and The Road Warrior, as I believe that not only is The Road Warrior a markedly superior film to the original, it's easily one of the best action films ever.

It corrects virtually every problem I had with the first film; "Mad Max" is actually mad the entire time, the post-apocalyptic wasteland is actually grungy, desperate, and almost medieval in its execution, there is a fully compelling cast of characters, both heroes and villains, and the action sequences are far more intense and high-stakes.

Also, I think it actually makes the first Mad Max even better, as it allows that film to merely serve as the backstory for this one, where all hell breaks loose. George Miller makes his sophomore effort having learned the mistakes he made the first time around, directing the action sequences with more vigor and confidence.

Screenwriter Terry Hayes comes on to help Miller write this time around, and his assistance seems to have helped tremendously, as the story this time is far more coherent and direct, with a clear-cut goal from beginning to end.

And of course, it doesn't hurt that Miller once again has the superb talents of a young, top-of-his-game Mel Gibson, who truly brings the "mad" to Max Rockatansky this time. It's a haunting and badass performance, that no doubt shaped Gibson's career in the years to come.

I also enjoyed Bruce Spence's performance as the Gyro captain, who initially comes across as sneaky and wimpy, but ultimately proves himself to be a smart and courageous asset. Michael Preston's idealistic Papagallo serves as a moral and reasoning counterpoint to Max's single-minded determination, and Kjell Nilsson conveys much ferocity behind his mask as the gang leader Humungus.

Vernon Wells' Wez serves as Max's mirror, as Humungus serves to Papagallo. Brian May delivers a greatly improved score this time around, and Dean Semler's cinematography, his sweeping landscapes and wide shots of post-apocalyptic terror, is what truly paints the picture of Max Rockatansky's demented world.

The Road Warrior is a must-see for all action fans.