Battletruck (1982) User Reviews

Battletruck

[nzmush · 6/10 · 15 June 2009]

Reading the comments about this movie, for one, their not trying to sound like Americans, they are speaking New Zealand, thats the way we sound except for the odd over acted lines. i remember this being made and even seeing the land rover series one come to our school.knew the truck driver who drove the Mack, and even where most of the scenes where filmed. Alexandra right in the heart of central Otago. one scene where he is being chased though pines trees is 30 seconds out of Alexandra, heading north from Alex to Cromwell looked left and there you have it!! Back in the 80's this was great but now in the 2000 looks abit cheap. the original tidal was Battletruck but I see they changed to it warlords, Battletruck is better. Just finished watching again, been 24 years since i last seen it... brings back memory's!! But man as kids did we have fun with our toys after watching this!! Same with the movie Convoy....cool!

Great Scenery And Alot Of Action EarnsBattletruck An Endorsement..

[mikecanmaybee · 5/10 · 14 June 2020]

Pretty good movie that has some great scenery of the beautiful country of New Zealand. Leading man Hunter played well by Michael Beck and the evil boss of the Battletruck team Straker, played a little softly by James Wainwright, are both after the same woman the always bundled up Corlie played by the decidedly not sexy Annie McEnroe. If it wasn't for her long hair and voice she would have fit in with the rest of the guys as the Director never allowed her to establish her character as desirable.The good news is that battletruck never bogs down with Michael beck just having enough charisma in his little body to keep us interested. John Ratzenberger as one of Hunter's helpers isn't really given many lines, but does a good job in a limited roll The star of the movie is stunt rider Warren Timpson who looks great rolling effortlessly over the high desert. This is not a great movie but is certainly and good "B" movie

Battletruck!

[Oliver-50 · 4/10 · 11 September 2006]

It's very lucky that this film has such a cool 'Battletruck' or else it wouldn't be worth much at all. As it is, it's not a good movie, and yet it's not bad enough to moan and groan over - moan and groan in either a laughable or a bored way.

Within the first few minutes 'Warlords of the 21st Century' (isn't Battletruck the better choice?) it's unavoidable to make comparisons to one of the greatest films ever 'Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior.' After all, both films take place in a post apocalyptic future where gasoline is a precious commodity; both have a giant Semi truck hauling around the Land Down Under; and both have a quiet, mysterious hero to fight for the people in danger! Battletruck isn't enough of a Mad Max clone to draw comparisons throughout the whole movie but the film doesn't have enough ingenuity to stand on it's own. Virtually every element of the film has been played out before.

So what's left to do? I was hoping for some good action; the back of the VHS box states that there is a 'terrifying chase' at the climax. And while the film does end on a high note with a little bloodshed and an impressive slow-mo explosive of the Battletruck, there is little else to cheer about. In the first hour of the 91 minutes, a few people get shot, there's a few explosions, a weak chase scene and, you bet, some Battletruck destruction! Mostly though, we get a bunch of aerial shots of bikes/cars/Battletruck driving through the wasteland. Hooray.

My pleasure stems from watching the hero, Hunter (played by Michael Beck of 'The Warriors' deliver the monotone one-liners while still having the physical charisma to run, dive, punch, kick, and shoot. 'The Warriors' is one of my favorite films, so for me shouting out "no Swan!" to the screen gives me some giddy joy - most other viewers may not get the same joy.

James Wainwright, as the villain Stryker out to rule the world and collect fuel, is good although he could do this role in his sleep. And the rest of the cast is decent - even the beautiful girl of the story isn't awful, she's just so-so. So it's a bit of a relief/surprise that the acting is as good as it is for such a ho-hum film.

But the real star is of course Battletruck.

Nothing to Complain About Here

[HughBennie-777 · 18 February 2021]

In the wake of the innumerable "Mad Max II" ripoffs in the early 80s, this one--in spite of its unoriginal plot--packs sensational camerawork and stunts and vivid New Zealand locations. Well cast and features a soundtrack fat with Juno synth stingers and prog rock outbursts of guitar solo'ing. The finale is a beautiful capture of vehicular destruction. No Italian dubbing. No headbands. No stupid laser sound effects, either. Easily the best of all the imitators, this compared to trash like "Exterminators of the Year 3000."

Keep on (Battle-)Trucking in the Free World!

[Coventry · 5/10 · 21 July 2010]

"Battletruck" is yet another umpteenth rip-off of "Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior", only this time fabricated in New Zealand! Apparently not only the Italians but also their own neighbors, the Kiwis, were trying to cash-in on the cinematic success of the Aussies. Can you blame them? I guess not, because flamboyant post-nuclear vehicles were THE cinematic hype during the early 80's. This is a fairly enjoyable post-apocalyptic Sci-Fi flick, as long as you don't expect to see anything groundbreaking or mind-blowing. These post-apocalyptic flicks practically all feature the exact same elements. They take place during the aftermath of WWIII, when approximately 90% of the earth's population has been wiped out and oil products have become extremely scarce. They generally also feature only three types of main characters. Mad-raving psychopaths with bombastic vehicles on a murderous rampage looking for gas, Samaritan community members trying their best to re-build some sort of prosperous civilization and one (or maximally three or four) handsome outcast roaming the wastelands. In "Battletruck", the malignant General Straker overthrows the cute community of Clearwater because they gave shelter to his beloved runaway muse Corlie. Unfortunately for him, the lone rebel Hunter comes speeding in on his dirt bike to rescue the wench and save the day. Not very original, but good enough to guarantee an hour and a half of brainless entertainment. The obvious aspect to love about "Battletruck" is the titular 18-wheeled war machine. General Straker and his band of dim-witted crazies move around in a heavily armored truck that cheerfully runs over protective fences and people's houses. No wonder Straker is continuously on the lookout for fuel, as this thing must at least consume 17 gallons per 60 miles! The truck is undoubtedly the star of the movie, and thus director Harley Cokeliss aims all of his cameras on it as much as possible. The truck looks cool from all angles and especially in close up. The action sequences in "Battletruck" are somewhat disappointing. There's not a whole lot of cruelty and bloodshed (at least not compared to the Italian counterparts) and there weren't even any hints at sleaze or perversion! The acting performances are extremely weak and hammy, especially from lead couple Michael Beck (Swan of "The Warriors"!) and Annie McEnroe. Evil man James Wainwright, who looks like a crossover between Daniel Von Bargen and William Shatner, is okay but still not psychotic enough.

Michael Beck in theMark Gregory role!

[BandSAboutMovies · 4/10 · 9 September 2019]

Imagine you're a Hollywood studio. Let's say you're New World Pictures. You want to ride this wave of post-apocalyptic goodness from Mad Max, but you're just been hit by the 1981 Writers Guild of America strike. What will you do now?

Go to New Zealand, that's what.

Also known as Warlords of the 21st Century and Destructors in Italy, this film doesn't really break any new ground. But it does live up to its title - it has a battletruck.

As it usually happens in thee films, Earth has been wiped out as the result of a thermonuclear war that started over fossil fuels. Now, gas is the most precious of all commodities.

The opening narration that tells us all of this is awesome. That's because its actor Randy Powell, who also plays Judd in the movie, transmitting a ham radio broadcast in Los Angeles, California to the filmmakers back in New Zealand.

While exploring a compound once thought to be radioactive, Straker (James Wainwright, Killdozer) discovers all the diesel fuel that the world will need. But his orders to kill the owners are ignored by his daughter Corlie (Annie McEnroe, who was in Snowbeast and is married to Edward R. Pressman, who produced Christmas Evil, Conan the Barbarian and all of The Crow movies, amongst many others). On the run and lost in the desert, she meets our hero, Hunter (Michael Beck, The Warriors, Xanadu, Megaforce).

What's up with all of the heroes after the end of the world getting names like Hunter and Stryker? I mean, I dig it, but their parents really must have all been consulting the same Refinery 29 articles about "What to name your child after the bomb drops."

Hunter has a bad ass motorbike and lives in the walled city of Clearwater Farm, an actual democracy in the midst of all this lawlessness, but soon Colie's father finds her and attacks. As her dad's mercs destroy the city and torture Rusty the mechanic (John Ratzenberger in a post-nuke movie!) to learn the secret location of where Hunter really lives.

If our hero is going to defeat Straker and his battletruck, he's going to need more than just a bike. He's going to need an armored car of his own. Hunter doesn't care about anything, even blowing up all of the fuel just to prove a point. Of course, he's going to kill everyone in his path, save the girl and then take off into the desert all by himself. That's how these movies work.

Director and co-writer Harley Cokeliss would go on to direct several episodes of Hercules and Xena, as well as Black Moon Rising and Dream Demon.

I think "Battletruck" is a better title.

[EraserheadDr · 5/10 · 19 June 2008]

I watched this film mostly just because I am a fan of Michael Beck and his films. This film I think he did pretty well in. His character seems a bit dark and knows what he's doing kind of guy. So the story is pretty simple.

It's about a futuristic war in the 21st century is looking for a new age in technology. That's about how the film is. I am not so interested in the film, but like I said, i'm a Michael Beck fan. His character's name is Hunter and tries to stop the terrorists. It isn't bad for it's time, but now it's not so great. I give it 5/10 stars.

Also, I would have gave an R rating for this film. I mean it has swearing in certain parts of the film, and there are lots of killings in this. I mean a PG rating? It's not really that nice in the film. Just saying.

Simple, but Effective

[rochus_meijer · 7/10 · 22 February 2006]

"Warlords of the 21st Century" aka "Battletruck" (as it is known to me) was a movie that I saw once when I was about eleven years old. It came on late night television and it left an extremely good impression on me.. Since then I've been trying to obtain the film on VHS for nearly eight years. It was so hard to get, even when I was in New Zealand I couldn't get my hands on it, as it was only for rent and no one would sell it to me.

Seeing it again it didn't give me the same rush as I was little, but still, it was very entertaining. This low budget "Mad Max"-like action flick is no blockbuster, nor is it surprising since the storyline is very straightforward.. But the battletruck itself looks scary, the music is a little creepy and the acting performances are good enough.. Great for an evening on the couch with some friends, IF you can get your hands on a copy.. 7/10

A very cheap version of Mad Max

[Mudhoney · 3/10 · 9 July 2000]

Well, what can I say about this movie? It's basically a New-Zealand cheap version of Australian Mad Max.

You won't believe this plot, yet again there is no oil and the chaotic future is desert like, but at least Mel Gibson rides a car, instead Michael Beck rides a (much cheaper I guess) motorbike.

Actually for such a B-version the special effects are not that bad at all, and I've seen a lot worse perfomances in my life.

The action in this movie (let's not compare to Mad Max 1 or 2 then) is centered in warlord Straker who drives Battletruck to steal oil from villages. Battletruck is this mean and powerful truck with all kinds of stuff to smash and destroy any resistance. Well anyway Hunter (Michael Beck), our hero gets involved in the plot because of a girl, that is no less then Straker's daughter. After Hunter, an ex-commando, and his kind-of-futuristic motorbike are on the case the world will never be the same.

In conclusion, don't watch it, but if you have nothing better to do with your life and you don't feel like renting Mad Max, you might watch this, if it will ever pass on tv.

Actually pretty good, and definitely not a "rip-off" of The Road Warrior, which did not come out beforehand

[zetes · 7/10 · 29 August 2010]

Another post-apocalyptic sci-fi, recently released on a DVD alongside Deathsport. Likewise, this one is very lowly rated (4.1 at the moment). I can understand that about Deathsport, but I think Battletruck (aka Warlords of the 21st Century) is downright good. I think the problem is that it's very similar to George Miller's The Road Warrior. Some IMDb reviewers even refer to it as a rip-off, but it was being made before The Road Warrior was ever even released, and, at least in most places, it was released almost at the exact same time (in the U.S. both were released in April of 1982). Compared to The Road Warrior, okay, Battletruck isn't nearly as good. But I won't hold that against it. The Road Warrior is all kinds of awesome. Battletruck is merely good, with a less ambitious story, though still probably too ambitious to completely succeed with the small budget it had. But still, it's pretty good. Michael Beck of The Warriors stars (though he doesn't appear for a good while into the film, which is a cool touch) as a lone wolf in this post-apocalyptic wasteland. He rescues Annie McEnroe (a character actress whom you might recognize from Beetlejuice and many other films), who has escaped her villain father (James Wainwright), but is left stranded in the middle of nowhere. Wainwright drives around in the titular truck raiding whatever settlements he can find and stealing all the oil and gasoline he can find. Beck takes McEnroe to a democratic settlement called Clearwater (among whose citizens is John Ratzenberger, who probably has more lines in this movie than any other before he started working with Pixar). They aren't all too trusting of Beck, who does some business with Clearwater but lives out on his own somewhere, and some of the citizens fear McEnroe's presence. That proves insightful when Wainwright comes along looking for her (and fuel). The action sequences in the film are well done, and the scenery is nice (it was filmed in New Zealand). Too bad it was shot in Academy ratio (or perhaps only still exists in that format).

Not the most powerful movie vehicle out there

[videorama-759-859391 · 3/10 · 2 April 2014]

It's possible for a sci fi futuristic pic like this, to misfire and be dull. That was the price of disappointment I got, watching this back in 84. When viewing it again, later in 95, only cause someone I knew, was an extra in it (my acting teacher at the time) it didn't impress upon me much more. It really has long spells of dullness. In no way, is it the actor's faults. They're all good, Wainwright, leaving his mark as the head villain of the show. I didn't know why he didn't go on to do more stuff, where there's a few who disappeared off the radar actors here. Wainwright and his posse of men roam around the mountains of beautiful New Zealand, in this monstrous tank truck, the battle truck, that occupies the front cover of the Roadshow titled movie, after no 1 commodity which is oil, shooting or killing anyone who gets in their way. Going up against him on his methane motorbike is Xanudu's Michael Beck, a likable hero. Standing between them is Annie McEnroe, who was Wainwright's ex once. She forms a relationship with Beck, where later she's kidnapped, and it's Beck to the rescue. Battletruck was just somewhat disappointing, who's American director, Harley Cokliss mad other films I liked. The actors have their moments and make some parts watchable, where they're are a couple of dead spots. Cheer's barfly, Ratzenberger was particularly good as Beck's friend who hides him out for a bit. For most part this full is on a par with dullness, the truck's fate into the path of dreck, the shining ray moment of this pic. Don't say I didn't warn ya.

Post Apoc flavoured Kiwis.. mmmmmmm

[andy-mccarthy · 10/10 · 5 August 2005]

Loved Battletruck. Awesome movie.. very watchable again and again. Its got a really gritty post apocalyptic feel to it and i think its just as good as Mad Max 1 and 2 and BETTER than Thunderdome. The opening sequence with the radio announcer and the smoke in the picture is great.. so simple.. but very effective.

What i will say in the way of criticism is that there is no need for the filmmakers to pretend this is shot in the states... The American accents from the NZ actors are awful for starters ("Gaaad Daayyum") and then there's the fact that the film obviously does not take place in the US (right hand drive, the NZ mountain ranges) NZ is great.. show it off !

New Zealand's take on the 80's Post-Nuke Future hoopla and as they see it: Napalm has won over lipstick and chicken excrement is the way to drive!

[Vomitron_G · 7/10 · 31 January 2008]

Man, this was one of my favorite movies when I was a kid. Must have watched it countless times. I hadn't watched it in many years, so I decided to pop it in again. With having watched quite a few 80's post-nuke films more by now, I was kind of afraid that BATTLETRUCK wouldn't hold together very well anymore. But surprisingly, it very much does! Of course BATTLETRUCK holds references to MAD MAX (but that's what we expect from any post-apo flick, right?). At least it's not one of those laughter-inducing Snake Plissken rip-offs this 80's sub-genre was flooded with.

This is one of those very few 80's post-apocalyptic/wastelands themed movies that I can actually agree on being a very serious genre-effort (as in: It doesn't go shamelessly over-the-top) and even a good movie in general. I don't really understand why this movie was released under the title WARLORDS OF THE 21st CENTURY… For one thing, it makes you suspect that you're dealing with a very cheesy, incompetent and blatant 80's Italian genre-effort. And second, BATTLETRUCK is a much cooler and more appropriate title. The black truck featured in this movie, really is the main attraction and it looks frickin' great! Mounting the camera on the front of the truck (but turning it around so we actually see the truck) while it's driving, makes this black beast on wheels a truly menacing entity. And then there's also great shots of the evil truck approaching in the distance, while on the foreground you can see unsuspecting (soon to be) victims.

Truck itself, isn't really a demonic entity of course - like the car in THE CAR (1977), for instance – but it's owned by Colonel Straker, the villainous leader of a band of thugs roaming the wastelands (basically pillaging everything in sight, torturing and killing random people and always searching for precious gasoline). When a girl (named Corlie) fleas from Straker's camp, that's when the trouble begins. Loner Hunter (Michael Beck), rescues her and he had better not done that. Because now, not only his and Corlie's life is in danger, but also the whole peace-loving, democracy-upholding community of Clearwater might be wiped out by Straker's vengeance. The only thing I can comment about on the plot, is that it sometimes seems a bit to run around in circles. But that even seemed to be done on purpose: It gives you the time to really get to know (and care about) all the characters, and see how they tie in all together (because some of them have secrets…).

The whole cast is doing a pretty swell job for a movie of this type. Michael Beck pulls it of nicely as the loner-hero with his nifty-looking bike (thankfully not featuring any goofy gadgets), not really intending to fight, but taking action and making a stand when doing what is right is called for. Especially James Wainwright, as the sadistic Straker, is delicious to behold. He gives a dead-serious performance, and the nasty, meaningless killings he performs and orders are just so mean-spirited. I mean, he's not just an idiot like, for example Gearge Eastman portrayed in WARRIORS OF THE WASTELAND (aka I NUOVI BARBARI). Colonel Straker really is a cunning, vengeful, bad mo-fo. And you can bet your sweet behind, that whenever he puts his arm around your shoulder and smiles, your minutes are numbered.

Brings us to the violent outbursts (that every self-respecting post-nuke film simply must have). BATTLETRUCK isn't a non-stop portrayal of action and violence (and that really uplifts this movie above the general sludge that was being released in this genre). But I assure you, every killing in this movie is handled with such care. Every death-scene looks real. The blood-splatters look real and so do the flesh-wounds and other make-up effects. My favorite scene involving on-screen violence shows us a nasty blow-to-the-head by a fire-extinguisher. Man, that's gotta hurt! Great timing with the good-looking blood-squirts in that scene too. But just don't expect gory sights in BATTLETRUCK; director Harley Cokeliss kept it realistic and didn't over-do it.

The cinematography is also a lot better-looking than many of those notable Italian post-nuke efforts. The landscapes from Otago, New Zealand are astonishing (as if we didn't know that already), without going astray too much from that "dusty wasteland" feeling every post-apo flick needs. And there are a couple of cool helicopter-shots, filming Hunter ripping through the landscapes on his bike and showing the battle truck roaming the wastelands. Particularly the final chase (bike vs. battle truck) is filmed in a very capable fashion. Aside that, the few stunts (with vehicles) in the movie even look real and convincing. A final mention goes to composer Kevin Peek. His eerie electronic 'soundscapes' provide very appropriate atmospheric wrappings every time our menacing truck is on the move. But during some action-sequences, when his score becomes more up-tempo rocking (and some guitars even come on), it gets reduced to being not much more than just amusing (oh well, after all: This is a movie from the 80's). The set-design and vehicles look convincing enough too and there's even a nice roll for a 'modified' Volkswagen Beetle.

So, BATTLETRUCK has a tight, not too complicated plot and decent character-drawings. The action is there. The violence is there. The drama is there. The performances and dialogues are good. The blood and injuries look real. And all the characters that die, you even get to know (on some level) first. And the climax is also satisfying. I've never seen all those elements dosed in such a well-balanced manner in any post-apocalyptic movie. And to be able to make this statement, I had to see numerous post-apo crap-fests first in recent years. In the end, BATTLETRUCK rightfully remains a favorite of mine, and if you like this sub-genre and can appreciate a more serious entry in it, then I can recommend tracking this baby down.

A total waste of time

[planktonrules · 1/10 · 19 June 2005]

My brother and I had never heard of this movie and had no intention of seeing it or any other movie the day we saw it. Just after having lunch, we walked by the theater and they had big signs announcing that Warlords of the 21st Century was only $1! Wow--a first-run movie for only a buck?! So we took the bait and saw the movie with absolutely no preconceptions--we didn't know who was in it, what it was about--in fact, we had never heard of it before.

So, my final verdict?! It was overpriced--I want my dollar back! In fact, they should have PAID US to see this claptrap. The movie had lousy acting, writing, directing, etc. etc etc. It was a cheap, quickly assembled and uninteresting knockoff of the Road Warrior flicks. So bad that Troma films would be ashamed to release it!

They weren't aiming for AMADEUS 2 y'know!!

[uds3 · 23 May 2002]

If this is the "benchmark" for putrid movies as one reviewer laughably suggests, where does that leave HEAVEN'S GATE, SHOWGIRLS, ROBOT MONSTER, MONSTROSITY, DRACULA'S LAST RITES, THE ISLAND, THE SAINT, EVE OF DESTRUCTION, ALIEN 2, ALIEN RESURRECTION??? to name but 10!

This is an energetic, low budget little NZ actioner. It's ONLY similarity to MAD MAX is the post apocalyptic oil-less future! Cockliss does pretty well within the constraints heaped upon him. I rather like NZ films - they tend to exude they're own unique little aura, much like Canadian flicks. Pretty much known as BATTLETRUCK everywhere (smewhat understandable - who wants to refer to a flick as WARLORDS OF THE 21ST CENTURY?) the film rips along quite nicely. No denying, the BATTLETRUCK of the title is one mean mother of a four-wheeled monstrosity. Definitely, the way to go in gridlock!

Hero Hunter (Beck) rides his own mean "Street Hawkmobile" and despite being shot pretty much through the heart with an arrow, is able to get straight back on to his dirt-bike extraordinaire and take it up to warlord Straker who looks suspiciously like a reject from a STEVEN SEAGAL movie!

The DUELesque ending is superbly done - shot from the almost identical angles that Spielberg used. It is equally impressive!

If this is the crappiest movie ever made, then pigs already fly! The film is a "6" no question! Kinda left field and semi-haunting music too, reminiscent of Tangerine Dream's work in the aforementioned STREET HAWK.

Whoa-Lords Of The 21st Century

[wizcheese · 2/10 · 7 April 2006]

After 1981 the knock off's of the Road Warrior -- Mad Max 2 kept a cumin'. This one is set in New Zealand! It has a cameo from everyones fav mail man from Cheers Cliff Clavin. A little post nuke grubby of course. I remember Cliff builds some sort of road warrrior like dune buggy for the hero that goes up against a fortified 18-wheeler truck. I think 98% of the budget went to that truck. Give or take a dollar. Worth my time? Not really. Yeah, this one sucks. What did you expect? I like the start thou, it has this burning tire smoky start that is so a direct rip off of Ole' Max which is hard not to laugh. I've seen worse. Very small cast, in fact I think it re-uses actors if you watch carefully. I forgot about this one but who can you blame there? Not sure if this is even on DVD but not worth the effort unless it has director commentary offering explanations and apologies!

hideous

[morganmcalister · 1/10 · 5 March 2001]

I had to see if I could remember the name of this movie, and I'm perversely thrilled to find it. I haven't actually seen this film in years, but it became something of a benchmark that I measure all other crap movies I've ever seen against. When I was only about 14 I rented this movie with my best friend, when we had the brilliant notion that maybe all those movies we'd never heard of really were worth watching, so we picked one that seemed to have a cool cover. It was the most perfect piece of evidence that our theory was flawed in the extreme. Everything about this movie, from the acting, to the sets, to the effects, were laughably awful. The climax of the film was when the protagonist built what was supposed to be some sort of unstoppable war machine, but looked more like an errector set experiment gone horribly wrong, and nailed to a $50 junk-yard reject of a vehicle. Anyway, if you want an example of awful film making, rent this movie; otherwise, run far and fast towards the other side of the store.

Mad Max Legion

[Tweetienator · 5/10 · 30 September 2021]

The Mad Max ripp-offs in the 80s are legion - most were produced on a very small or almost no budget. Battletruck or Warlords of the 21st Century is one of the better ones, which means, you can watch it without cringing yourself in spasms to death. Solid action, some cheese, some fun. Just don't expect a big production, top effects and serious acting.

A decent diversion.

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 11 March 2014]

"Warlords of the 21st Century", a.k.a. "Battletruck", is fun stuff, if overly reminiscent of the more famous "Mad Max" series (although, truth be told, this was actually filmed *before* "The Road Warrior"). It's competently directed (by Harley Cokeliss), nicely shot (by Oscar winning Chris Menges), and has enough action and futuristic stylings to make it enjoyable viewing. The characters are never fleshed out all that much, but at least in this simplistic script (co- written by Cokeliss), you're never in doubt as to who the good guys and the bad guys are. The acting is solid from most everybody involved. And there are a substantial amount of truly impressive explosions and one hell of an awesome vehicle - the "Battletruck" of the alternate title - to capture ones' attention.

Michael Beck of "The Warriors" stars in this post-apocalypse tale in which oil is a rare and valuable commodity. He comes to the aid of the forlorn Corlie (Annie McEnroe, "The Hand"), who's run away from domineering villain Straker (an effectively one-note James Wainwright). He brings Corlie to a peaceful community known as Clearwater. Unfortunately for the citizens of Clearwater, Straker fully intends to get Corlie back, and so he proceeds to terrorize these people.

The supporting cast features a likable John Ratzenberger (Cliff from 'Cheers') as Clearwater resident Rusty and a very amusing pair of performances from New Zealand native Bruno Lawrence ("Smash Palace", "The Quiet Earth") and Welshman John Bach (the "Lord of the Rings" franchise) as Willie and Bone, Strakers' primary two henchmen. Randy Powell is good as Judd, the kind of guy you "love to hate". Beck is an under-stated hero; McEnroe isn't bad but her character is kind of whiny.

Kevin Peek does the rousing music in this engaging escapist fare, which builds to a pretty good action finale on board the Battletruck. This was filmed in New Zealand and there's lots of amazing scenery along the way.

Most fans of the post-nuke genre will likely have a good time with this.

Seven out of 10.

If you want to see a cool truck

[SkullScreamerReturns · 4/10 · 7 December 2020]

I watched this movie because I wanted to see the battletruck in it, and that's what the movie delivers. The truck is very cool. But that's the main spectacle, and everything else is mediocre at best. There are some cool action scenes but most of the time the plot moves slowly and there is very little plot anyway. I kind of liked the cheap synth music...especially in some calm moments a happy sentimental music is playing, that was kind of funny compared to the overall action mood.

Battletruck falls in the common scenario of 80s' b-movies where the poster and title are more exciting than the actual film. But it's not the worst movie, so if you can't get enough of 80s' low budget actioners, then go ahead and watch it, you'll probably get something out of it.

Fun film. Exceeded my modest expectations.

[TOMASBBloodhound · 7/10 · 22 February 2015]

Looking for a low-budget diversion packed with plenty of action, some beautiful scenery, and a pretty cool truck, then look no further than this New Zealand film from the early 80s. Though the budget is tiny, and the story seems derivative, there is enough here to hold your interest if you are into post-apocalyptic Mad Max type of stuff. The early 80s produced many, many low-budget films of this type, but nobody else, not even the Gibson franchise had THE BATTLETRUCK!

The plot is familiar enough. We have a "not-so-distant" future where society has basically collapsed. A ham radio broadcast during the opening frames basically sets the table. Cities have collapsed, oil is increasingly scarce, and many people have migrated to the countryside to escape the urban chaos. However, there is no viable law enforcement outside of the cities, and its survival of the fittest. Some have adapted to commune style, ag-based living. Some, like our hero Mr. Hunter have found a way to live independently, using methane-based technology to remain mobile and self-sufficient. And then you have our villain... Mr. Straker. He is some would be military-style tyrannical dictator whose army of twenty or more pillage the countryside. It is they who drive the battletruck, and nobody can dare stand up to it with its weapons and technology. Its a shame this truck belongs to the bad guys, since that only ensures its later demise in a scene very reminiscent to the conclusion of Spielberg's Duel. The acting isn't bad at all. Michael Beck as the anti-hero Hunter plays his character with the kind of stoic toughness and resourcefulness he showed in The Warriors. He does well here. James Wainwright, as the villain steals the show, however. Maybe only the battletruck itself is more memorable. He plays the role with a sadistic overconfidence. An aloofness complete with a twinkle in his eye reminiscent of the late David Carradine. He had the chops to have done more than he did. Anne Mcenroe is better here than she was in The Howling II, but that isn't saying much. She does OK as the damsel in distress. And how about John Ratzenberger? Mostly known for his role on Cheers, think of his film career for a moment. Between 1980 and 1983 he appeared in the following films: Empire Strikes Back, Motel Hell, Reds, Battletruck, Outland, Firefox and Gandhi!! Wow! Who was his agent back then? Did he turn anything down?? Also starring here is the beautiful New Zealand countryside. This area they filmed in kinda looks like Utah in the wintertime. Rugged and pristine. The film is well-paced, and not really preachy in terms of environmentalism, but the message is clear. The human race's dependence on fossil fuels has always led to conflict, and could one day cause a societal collapse. Maybe. Hope it doesn't happen in my lifetime! I don't want the battletruck coming after me! 7 of 10 stars.

The Hound.

Enjoyable futuristic sci-fi action opus

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 5 August 2010]

Following the Great Oil Wars, society as we know it reverts to a barbarous state and gasoline becomes a precious rare commodity. The ruthless Colonel Straker (well played with hard and cruel resolve by James Wainwright) rides around the countryside in his formidable heavily armored battletruck with his vicious gang of marauders. When Straker and his men terrorize the peaceful commune of Clearwater for food and supplies, mysterious laconic loner motorcyclist Hunter (a solid and likable performance by Michael Beck) comes to the commune's rescue. Director Harley Cokeliss, who also co-wrote the simple, but effective script with Irving Austin and John Beech, relates the engrossing story at a steady pace, presents a plausibly harsh and lawless futuristic society in which the fittest and most brutal reign supreme over everyone else, stages the exciting action scenes with real skill and aplomb, draws the characters with a bit more depth than you would expect (sure, the protagonists are quite engaging and the villains are truly hateful, but neither are depicted as one-note cardboard cut-outs), and maintains a generally serious tone throughout along with a few inspired touches of sharp sarcastic humor. This film further benefits from sound acting from an able cast: the pretty Annie McEnroe makes for a very spirited and appealing heroine as Straker's spunky wayward daughter Corlie, Bruno Lawrence provides hilarious comic relief as Straker's grubby, dim-witted lackey Willie, a pre-"Cheers" John Ratzenberger has a nice sizable role as amiable commune dweller Rusty, and Randy Powell is appropriately slimy as the traitorous and treacherous Judd. The titular battletruck rates as an impressively powerful and imposing monolithic vehicular monstrosity. Cinematographer Chris Menges offers plenty of striking shots of the truck and makes good use of the desolate rural New Zealand locations. Kevin Peek's robust and rousing score hits the groovy rockin' spot. A fun and worthwhile flick.

post apocalyptic Mad Max rip-off

[trashgang · 6/10 · 7 November 2020]

Flick that tries to pick in on the succes of Mad Max (1979) and succeeded back then because nowadays it is hunted down for a lot of money on VHS. Even as it is on DVD and I guess Blu ray geeks do hunt down the VHS.

It's a simple low budget flick. It shows on so many ways. There's no extra litghing at night so the night scenes are really dark. Further in some shots you could spot the microphone. And not for one second, it takes ages.

I do prefer Battletruck in stead of Warlords Of The 21st Century because it's all about the truck.

Perfect example of a post-apocalyptic low budget that has a lot of fame by the collectors. Perfect score for such a flick. Here and there they used some effects like the burned hand. Looks creepy. Nice shots also for the truck used.

A flick that exploitation geeks must see.

Gore 0,5/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 2/5 Story 2/5 Comedy 0/5

low budget;richly entertaining

[kenny-mccullah · 9/10 · 21 November 2012]

Now i remember seeing this film on late night television for the first time when i was around ten years old. I remember loving it then, mainly for the action and thinking the main character of Hunter was cool (he rode a kick-a** motorcycle). As i grew older i always remembered this movie and tried tracking a copy down to no avail. I always. Remembered the sweet title ; "warlords of the 21st century. Well to my surprise and great delight i found this title under a different title of "Battletruck". I had to pick it up! Now i've read plenty of reviews who put this movie down. I honestly don't know what else they would want or expect from a low budget action/sci-fi film. I've seen multi million dollar Hollywood films that were not as entertaining as this film. Its a highly entertaining good versus evil film, and it was just as magical and great as i remembered from my childhood. This is simply one mans opinion, I'm a huge nerd for independent films. All i can say is that if you too like me are a sap for low budget independent cinema you cannot go wrong with "Warlords of the 21st Century (aka Battletruck)". Check it out, hope you enjoy!

Fond memories

[leestudd1 · 8/10 · 27 July 2008]

I first saw this movie on TV in the late eighties. I always remembered the battle truck and hunter's rather futuristic motorbike. Having just watched it through you tube I still love it. The plot is typical post apocalyptic ww3 stuff but still OK and the characters are well done even the girl is a bit annoying at times. For what is obviously a low budget movie the stunts are very well done in the vein of mad max 2. It is pretty cool to see them construct a a vehicle for hunter from parts scattered around which ends up looking like a massive Volkswagen beetle! The ending reminds me of Shane, hunter could stay with them but still leaves to go off exploring I guess. I wish you could get it on DVD but sadly I don't think this will ever happen.