Comparisons to the ‘Mad Max’ movies, besides being altogether too easy, are inaccurate. Or at least imprecise. Those movies were, at their best, what this is at its worst/cheeziest.
This doesn’t just add a layer of water to ‘Max”s post-“apocalyptic” sludge, it adds layers of decent acting, a (mostly) non-laughable script (the last-second rescue scene tests the limits of the imagination), real characters (well, at least a few) and a plot.
Not the amazing vision Costner wanted it to be (besides ‘Dances With Wolves’, is it ever?), but not the embarrassing failure some people dismiss it as. It’s a decent, well-done action flick. Suspend your disbelief, don’t be too much of a science geek for 2+ hours, and you just might enjoy yourself.
Look for: “I’m king of the world!!!”
Inspirational Exchange:
:Hopper: “What is it then, huh? It’s the map.”
:Costner: “She’s my friend.”
:Hopper: “Golly gee a single tear runs down my cheek *vis* I mean you’re gonna die for your friend…”
:Costner: “If it comes to that.”
…
:Hopper: “…I don’t think you’re gonna drop that torch, m’friend…”
:Costner: “Why not?”
:Hopper: *In a calming voice* “Because you’re not crazy.”
Grade: B-