Tank Girl (1995)

“I have two words for you.  Brush your teeth!”  11 May 2020

I understand Tank Girl bombed at the box office back in 1995.  Well, I’m happy to report that I was one of the few who saw it in the theaters.  I’m also happy to report that I’m one of the fewer who seems to have actually enjoyed Tank Girl.  While I may not hold it in as high esteem as I once did, I had a good time last night re-watching it.  Tank Girl features a typical post-apocalyptic set-up:  A a comet has hit the Earth, creating an 11 year drought. Most of the remaining water is controlled by the Water & Power Corp and its maniacal leader, Kesslee (Malcolm McDowell).  Rebecca Buck (Lori Petty) is a member of a small commune living in the Australian outback who have illegally tapped into the water supply.  Kesslee sends in the troops to destroy the commune, making an enemy of Rebecca.  In short order, she steals a tank, befriends a Water & Power aircraft mechanic and pilot, and joins a band of mutant human/kangaroo hybrids.  Together, they join forces to take on Kesslee and his Water & Power army.

One of the things I enjoy most about Tank Girl is also one of its biggest weaknesses.  To say that Tank Girl is over-the-top would be a gross understatement.  Costuming, music, action, set-design, acting, creature effects, dialogue, visuals - it’s all larger than life and generally a lot of fun.  It would be easy to give Tank Girl a 10/10 for trying to be a surreal experience.  And while I get a kick out of most of it, there are times where I feel Tank Girl is trying too hard.  It’s pretty apparent that director Rachel Talalay was going for kitschy and off-beat.  But there are definite instances where it all feels forced.  Instead of letting things happen naturally as part of the story, some of what Talalay throws at the viewer lacks an organic feel.  The best cult movies don’t try to be cult movies - they just are.  And Tank Girl’s frantic pace doesn’t allow for much in the way of character development or plot - things Tank Girl sorely lacks.  

You can’t really talk about Tank Girl and not mention Lori Petty.  She’s the heart and soul of everything.  Given what Tank Girl is - faults and all - she’s perfect.  Her energy is as amazing and consistent as her ever-changing hair.  It’s infectious and impossible for me not to enjoy.  I also get a kick out of the contrast of Naomi Watts’ super subdued Jet Girl.  They make a good pair.  

One last thing, I really like the special effects in Tank Girl.  Whether it’s Stan Winston’s amazing Kangaroo-men, the comic book cut scenes, or the many, many explosions, it’s a real visual treat.  

6/10