Few nights ago I watched Micheal Ironside play Mad Max in
Neon City. Joining him was ex-football player, Lyle Alzado, ex-Prince hanger on, Vanity and ex-Hog Reporter from Cincinnati, Richard Sanders.
The plot synopsis is that Stark (Ironside) is a bounty hunter and ex-Ranger who captures Reno (Vanity) and must take him to some place called "Neon City". This all takes places in a post-apocalyptic desert world. The world has been laid desolate by an experiment that burnt holes in the ozone layer which sometimes causes "Xander storms" of poisonous gas/dust, as well as something called "brites" which look like highly intense solar flare storms that can burn a person's skin
So...Stark with Reno in tow as prisoner, takes the transport to Neon City" said transport is a large RV driven by Bulk (Alzado). Also are on the transport are Stark's ex-wife, stand up comic trying to get a new gig Dickie Divine (Sanders), a Doctor, Dr. Xander (the person responsible for the apocalyse...traveling incognito), and a young socialite women going to met daddy in Neon City.
Off they go to face the trials of the open road in post-apoc SouthWest, USA.
For the most part the movie is a lot of fun. It moves at a good pace and the actors do a good job so it's never boring or uncomfortable to watch. There are a few not-fun characters (like the socialite, and Divine) but they never get too annoying. What takes it a cut above most post-apoc movies is that the characters are well fleshed out , with backgrounds that effect why the do what the do sensibly, and the characters are even allow to grow a bit during their experiences together
There are some notable holes in the script. Stark is tricked it to going on the transport by someone who wants his extra gun and experience. But most of the danger, especially in any regards to what Stark can do to help, is generated because some people are ticked at Stark and out to get him. So bringing him along was a calculated risk as his presence increases the danger about as much as it increases the security. A few of the environmental issues put in an obligatory nod; they go through one "brite" and one "Xander storm" but then they never seem to be an issue (at least not as big an issue as the dialog would seem to indicate). They aslo pretty much ripped off the big final chase scene from "Road Warrior", but with an R.V. and a handfull of motorcycles (and "Deus Ex Laserblaster") The weakest point was the ending. The movie moved at a good clip but never really built to a climax or purpose. It's almost like the filmakers suddenly realized "Um...we need to end this somehow..." so they threw something in to wrap up in about five minutes and it comes pretty much out of left field plot wise.
But on balance, a good look and atmosphere executed well, if not spectacularly. Good ninety minutes of low-budget, post-apoc entertainment.
Far and away better than Raiders Of The Sun, Equalizer 2000, and a host of other genre films
