Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior

        It’s in unanimous agreement among fans of the Mad Max series that before Fury Road, The Road Warrior was the best in the franchise. Seeing it for the first time was a massive upgrade in terms of scope and budget. Warner Bros provided the financial backing and it’s hard to believe that this is George Miller’s second movie.  And this is where the ever-famous look of the series gets its start and would be copied in various mediums. 

1. In Search of Gas

        I was confused as to why the film started with a tv-esque aspect ratio. Seeing it played out made sense to anyone who hasn’t seen the first Mad Max, it gets everyone up to speed as to what’s going on with the world and to see a glimpse of Rockatansky before he went Mad. From there, we transition to the present and see Max doing what he does in a post-apocalyptic Australia, survive. 

        Story-wise it’s very simple since we follow Max getting involved with a group who’s been raided by marauders led by Lord Humungus. He goes to them since he’s running low on fuel. There’s at least one reason as to why he goes to them, then the situation becomes even more urgent. Since it was my first time watching it, we are also introduced to another new character named Gyro Captain.

        I thought it would follow the trope where the main character would have a wacky side character that would annoy the hero. Seemingly it turned out that way, but what I like is that he helps Max and his contribution to the story helps expand his character. If there’s one scene that I like in the whole movie is when it involves him. Specifically, when he sees the Marauders killing members of the traveling group. The music and Gyro’s facial expression of what’s happening is just the cherry on top.

        The action sequences are so well done and a massive upgrade. Something about the practical stunts and just the kinetic energy is something that the series prides itself on, and in this sequel it’s something to admire. I think the way the camera shots show us in either point of view or what I call motorcycle shots makes the action even more intense. It’s an artform that I feel is lost nowadays. The best moments is when the crashes happen. Gone are the moments when the eyes pop out, but just the impact and deaths in between make the action more satisfying. 

2. Humanity

        Aside from the post-apocalyptic setting and the car chase set pieces, I think the film and the series revolve around the concept of humanity. In a world where everything has gone up, humanity is what’s lacking in that setting. More so, that we see Max being stoic and weather beaten while also being heroic. It’s sort of what makes him interesting since he’s looking out only for himself but is pulled into something when he’s just a loner. 

        He's the Australian version of Clint Eastwood’s character in the classic Dollars trilogy of Western films. Well, the film can be looked at as a modern western film, just replace the horses with cars and well, there is a character with a mohawk but that’s not the point. We see just how much he helps the civilians by even devising a plan to escape Lord Humungus and his clan. 

        I think the use of the feral kid in the film even helps amplify the theme. We assume that he’s silent and he’ll speak when the story pivots to that direction. Instead, he’s just a child that has a dangerous boomerang. In all seriousness, the sweet moment when Max plays the music box to the child that he hands it over to the boy. His smile and joy while listening to the music makes him happy and seemingly moves him away from being feral. 

3. Overall

        Mad Max 2 is one of the best sequels I’ve seen and from the original Mel Gibson films of the series.