Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior

[kearneyloc]

I don't feel it's fair to compare Mad Max to Road Warrior based on the fact that the original was indie low-budget at it's best. They had to rely more on character development than action.

[Flick James]

I don't feel it's fair to compare Mad Max to Road Warrior based on the fact that the original was indie low-budget at it's best. They had to rely more on character development than action.

That's pretty much exactly it. They can't be appreciated from the same standards. Mad Max is a straight up low-budget b-movie, by both American and Australian standards. TRW, on the other hand, is a higher budget, more action-oriented film, and one that was probably not considered a b-movie at all in Australia, but kind of falls into the b category here because it's a foreign film, marketed a little less than an American a-film, and it's a bit off-beat to American eyes because of the Aussie elements, so, in other words a b-movie for American audiences and an a-movie down under.

[BoyScoutKevin]

The road warrior is one of the very few sequels that I like better than the original. Dont get me wrong, Mad Max rocks, but the road warrior is better.

Well, here is someone else who likes "The Road Warrior" or "Mad Max 2" better than "Mad Max," and when the question comes up, as to whether there has ever been a sequel better than the original, I always point to "The Road Warrior."

[Rev. Powell]

I don't feel it's fair to compare Mad Max to Road Warrior based on the fact that the original was indie low-budget at it's best. They had to rely more on character development than action.

I disagree, but in an unusual way.  I think it's fair to compare low-budget indies with lots of character development to big-budget action movies.  In fact, I almost always think the former make better movies, because I care more about stories than stunts.  TRW is a rare case where I prefer the action version.  But it's a close call because I do like them both.   

[Leah]

I don't feel it's fair to compare Mad Max to Road Warrior based on the fact that the original was indie low-budget at it's best. They had to rely more on character development than action.

I kinda agree, but then again, Mad Max 1 isn't post-apocalyptic like Mad Max 2

[Allhallowsday]

MAD MAX is great but it's quite a bit different than ROAD WARRIOR.  It's much darker and more downbeat, with more character development and less action.  Both are great films, just don't go into MAD MAX expecting to see more of the same.  

And there's a cruelty to MAD MAX that is not apparent in ROAD WARRIOR.  As several have stated, I think ROAD WARRIOR is superior, too, but MAD MAX is essential.  

I don't feel it's fair to compare Mad Max to Road Warrior based on the fact that the original was indie low-budget at it's best. They had to rely more on character development than action.

I kinda agree, but then again, Mad Max 1 isn't post-apocalyptic like Mad Max 2

Huh?  Of course it is. 

[Flick James]

MAD MAX is great but it's quite a bit different than ROAD WARRIOR.  It's much darker and more downbeat, with more character development and less action.  Both are great films, just don't go into MAD MAX expecting to see more of the same.  

And there's a cruelty to MAD MAX that is not apparent in ROAD WARRIOR.  As several have stated, I think ROAD WARRIOR is superior, too, but MAD MAX is essential.  

I don't feel it's fair to compare Mad Max to Road Warrior based on the fact that the original was indie low-budget at it's best. They had to rely more on character development than action.

I kinda agree, but then again, Mad Max 1 isn't post-apocalyptic like Mad Max 2

Huh?  Of course it is. 

Interesting point. I think I get what you're saying. I think the cruelty comes from the fact that there is still a semblance of law and order in Mad Max this breaking down, whereas in Road Warrior it is less cruelty than the outright feral savagry that comes from a world of chaos and lawlessness.

[Allhallowsday]

Interesting point. I think I get what you're saying. I think the cruelty comes from the fact that there is still a semblance of law and order in Mad Max this breaking down, whereas in Road Warrior it is less cruelty than the outright feral savagry that comes from a world of chaos and lawlessness.

With regards to cruelty, I am referring to one specific incident, though there is more than one, that is particularly heartless - and having seen the film (avoid spoilers) I think you can guess to which I am referring. 

[Flick James]

Interesting point. I think I get what you're saying. I think the cruelty comes from the fact that there is still a semblance of law and order in Mad Max this breaking down, whereas in Road Warrior it is less cruelty than the outright feral savagry that comes from a world of chaos and lawlessness.

With regards to cruelty, I am referring to one specific incident, though there is more than one, that is particularly heartless - and having seen the film (avoid spoilers) I think you can guess to which I am referring. 

Yes, I do. You know, I just looked the film up and The Road Warrior has the unique distinction of having a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. That is quite an achievement to say the least.

[metalmonster]

I Liked The First One , I Liked This One , Now I Just Have To See The Third One

[Leah]

I Liked The First One , I Liked This One , Now I Just Have To See The Third One

honestly, it is not worth it because it is hard to understand the whole concept of the movie. then again, i liked the other two MUCH better than the third one.

[Rev. Powell]

I Liked The First One , I Liked This One , Now I Just Have To See The Third One

honestly, it is not worth it because it is hard to understand the whole concept of the movie. then again, i liked the other two MUCH better than the third one.

Not nearly as good as the first two, but still worth seeing for the battle in Thunderdome alone. 

[Flick James]

Overall I think Thunderdome is just a cheesy watered-down sequel that lacks the tension and darkness that made the first two work.

[Allhallowsday]

The first two are... eh, cheezee, a mouthful of cheese, but the 3rd one has real production values.  The storyline is drained of its outsider edge, and yes, not as good (ROAD WARRIOR is the best of the three).   Ash, be sure to tell us what you think of MAD MAX.