I remember in the video shop there were all these straight to video post-apocalyptic post-Mad Max films such as Ice Pirates, America 3000, Cherry 2000, Warriors of the Wasteland, even the absolute classic Escape from New York.
All painted a picture of a lawless society after a worldwide event that pitted every member of society against each other, every man or woman for themselves aside from a maniacal leader or warlord who for some reason everyone was scared of.
Take that thinking which feeds into gaming perfectly, take the vehicles, add more guns which is not a new idea but never gets old and Sony brought us Twisted Metal in 1995, the last iteration of the game in 2012.
Their synopsis – In concept, Twisted Metal is a demolition derby that emphasizes the use of ballistic projectiles, machine guns, mines, and other types of weapons (up to and including satellite-based weapons and nuclear weapons). The last driver alive is the winner. By the last version a far bigger narrative and back story had been added including factions, the Clowns, the Dolls, the Skulls, and the Holy Men. And Sweet Tooth, the clown elevated into a far bigger character.
Fast forward to 2023 – and it’s now available on paramount via Prime here and the TV synopsis – In a dystopian future, a milkman with amnesia gets the opportunity to live a better life in exchange for transporting a mysterious parcel. With a car thief by his side, he sets off on the quest.
It’s the perfect combination of humour and crazy, the video game irrelevant aside from being the basis of characters, it’s just fun without getting boring at any point as anything can happen, and it does!
Anthony Mackie is a great choice as John Foe the Milkman “What kind of psychopath spells John without a H?” Being a favourite quote among many. Stephanie Beatriz fantastic as the thief, his opposite and companion. Wrestler Samoa Joe imposing as Sweet Tooth, the voice supplied by Will Arnett on top form. Thomas Hayden Church and Neve Campbell as baddies are inspired.
It’s switch your head of fun and just supremely binge-worthy! I can be cynical about TV and film and rarely cannot find faults but not here, any faults here are irrelevant as the show just eats them up in the absurdity. Have fun with this! The setup for Season 2 is great!
