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Strangely enjoyable film, once again Phil **** doesn't disappoint. Individual suffering due to drug addiction is interwoven with paranoia as well as an all too real all-encompassing conspiracy. Being paranoid sure doesn't mean they're not out to get you, in this movie at least. More topical today than ever before.

Really interesting concept worthy of Philip K. ****. A strong romantic angle that doesn't feel forced, quite the opposite it comes out as organic to the sci-fi plot. Huge reveal and heart-stabbing conclusion. Tour de force sci-fi and much recommended.

I needed three sittings to get through this film, I had such problems with the plot. First off, Mad Max is a mute passenger in his own film, for a good part of it. That just isn't what I go to see a Mad Max film for. Then it's the baddies. They're simply not all that bad. The look and act menacing, but it's not backed up by deeds, so it is difficult to see them as truly frightening. The idea to give ideology to the lesser minions, to humanise them, is pretty pointless and ultimately distracting. Am I supposed to hate and fear these people or have a special place in my heart for them? It just doesn't work. When we run into Hell's Grannies (tm) toward the end of the film, it just stretches credibility. It's just not what you would find in a post-apocalyptic world. Once again, talk and bravado and no action to back it up, on top of the lack of credibility. Then the ending, which I won't spoil. Why? Why them? Why are they the ones? It makes no sense. Then the final problem I mention, there is the problem of motivation for the female hero (and Max for that matter). Why is she doing what she is doing? She has no stake in it as can be seen. In a world like this, for someone to stick their neck out purely to help others lacks credibility. In Mad Max 2 for example, the selfish motives of Max are painstakingly established. Take note, filmmakers. There are other minor problems: wasting ammunition with machine guns. MM2 clearly establishes that there are guns around, but ammunition is very hard to come by. Then there are some cartoon physics involving firebombs.

Corners are cut and a lot of background left out. This is to be expected with adapting such a huge story to a feature film. The tone of the narrative is extreme, bordering on melodrama, as can be expected from Lynch. This kind of treatment is not necessarily out of place because the story contains many themes that take things to the extreme, in particular genetic manipulation. The story suffers from the severe cutting, but comes out reasonably well, considering.

Old school movie, slow buildup, slow start for the main story, gritty road scenes, genuine feelings for the drivers because they have been set up so carefully before. Very satisfying watch.