Mad Max II

Release: (1981)

Runtime: 96 Minutes

Directed By: George Miller

Starring: Mel Gibson

I found this one much better than the previous.  The first hardly presented a distopia and there was not much of a coherent conflict.  What we have in #II though, (which I will never refer to as “The Road Warrior”) is a relevant shortage of a precious resource that fuels the actions of all the parties. (pun intended)

The biggest question I had was what was Max’s motivation really.  I can see a couple of possibilities; gas, transferred vengeance, that awkward romantic side plot with the Amazonian or just the desire to do right.  Does it matter?  I think it does.  Max like so many of us is doing something which we can classify as “good” but if his motivations are strictly selfish, does it matter?  I would almost rather he helped the bad guys for a decent reason.  Does it make you feel better that you work for the Red Cross when you only do it for the salary.

Technique- 5

Production Quality- 6

Story- 4

Thought Provoking- 3

Entertainment- 6

Step Brothers

Release: (2008)

Runtime: 98 Minutes

Directed By: Adam McKay

Starring: Will Ferrell & John C. Reilly

Didn’t think this would have much to it but it was good for more than a good laugh.  The tone of the movie is sheer ridiculous.  The duo violate every social norm we learn as young adults with sheer exuberance represent all that is childish within .More than anything I think this asks us why it is so ridiculous that two people would act that way.  Why should a grown adult not be fascinated with having extra space for activities or nigh vision goggles.

The contrast to these characters is wonderfully portrayed at the mixer where we see the characters we once loved stripped of all quirkiness and character and wonder how quickly we are letting that happen to ourselves.

Technique- 8

Production Quality- 7

Story- 4

Thought Provoking- 4

Entertainment- 8