1.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. – Customer review on 28/10/2010

This was the most pathetic movie that I ever had the misfortune watching. 91 minutes plus titles of my life I will never get back. After being told to watch it by my friend for ages, I went to his place to watch it and could not for the life of me see what the fuss was about. I can overlook the bad effects. I mean, it was good for its time. My problem is the whole plot, the character costuming, the unconvincing acting from everyone but Mel Gibson and the uncomfortable feel the film gave me. The only thing good about this movie is the kick ass title. Anything sounding like Mad Max seems like it's going to be cool. This was not the case however and in my opinion, the film was more painful to watch than the time my friend broke his arm in my backyard.

-3/10

4.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. – Customer review on 22/08/2006

To my mind, the best of the Mad Max trilogy. The orignial was a more thoughtful yet more violent film. This is an out and out petrol headed, apocalyptic sci action action classic, with "Mad" Max Rockatansky now the Road Warrior, fighting to retain his humanity in a dying world when he is asked to help a community of people escape the gang led by the steroid popping, hockey mask wearing Homunculus. An 80s action classic...

4.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. – Customer review on 07/08/2006

This is a different film from the original - based "after the oil wars" when society has collapsed further into chaos from what we had in the first film. The baddies are scary, and the commune offer Max a chance to regain his humanity... watching his struggle between selfish self-preservation and the responsibility and vulnerability of leadership is something else... an Australian classic, gory and harsh in places, but overall, one of the best action films of the 1980s...

2.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. – Customer review on 08/04/2006

Disappointing sequal to the Australian action milestone. MAd Max 2 gives Max an inexplicable white streak in his hair a Shane complex and a dirty child to inspire. Introduces the pilot character, but the rest of the characters are unwashed rather than significant. Doesn't really go any where new or do anything to further MAx's iconic claims.

4.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. – Customer review on 24/11/2006

But most of all, I remember the Road Warrior. By this time, many people have forgotten that this set the standard for kinetic action on the roadways. The memories fade as the years go by, new action films are released, such as "Speed"(94), which seem to set new standards. But, it's not really the case. The Road Warrior has yet to be bested, and no amount of money, computer technology or loud noises will ever accomplish the deed. Nothing will ever capture the apocalyptic intensity or, most of all, the sheer elegance of combat on the roads, as depicted here. "Raiders of the Lost Ark"(81), for example, captured a more frenetic goofy-style action, also relentless, but not with the level of tension. It's exciting, sure, but it doesn't tie your stomach up in knots, leaving you drained yet begging for more.

The sequel to "Mad Max"(79) - also a unique, tense experience - begins with an unusual prologue, giving the viewers a historical background on only half the screen. We are set up for a bombastic adventure, created as a new mythology for our perusal. Iconic figures abound, beginning with Max (Gibson) himself, of course. Here is the quintessential wandering loner hero/cowboy/samurai: he is striking - damaged both physically & mentally - but an ultimate survivor. Here are his foes: a scarred, massively-muscled atomic-age conqueror and his dogs, garbed in battle-dress for instant death and destruction. Here is his conscience: the last vestiges of civilization grouped in a makeshift fort for a final gasp of decency. When these three factions clash, it's the end of the world as we know it. Welcome to the new world of The Road Warrior.

The Road Warrior influenced the sub-genre of post-holocaust science fiction throughout the eighties. There were numerous imitators, mostly low-budget efforts, and none of them came close to succeeding at this level. I hope not too many people continue to forget where it all began for this thrilling corner of the sci-fi adventure genre. It is to our downfall and regret that we forget.