because i be on a kick for some post apocalyptic goodness and the cast include old favorite and i watch this flick . the result be mildly disappointing but might still be worth it for some . one thing that must be take into account be that we be talk about a 1975 movie . this excuse it clunkiness and the lack of scope somewhat and although not completely . the basic plot be rather vague and all over the place . the writing be crude and ridiculous at time and yet there be worthwhile idea to explore . the story take place in a post apoc new york circa 2012. the usual staple of the genre be there . lawlessness in a barren city and return to a semi primitive life and lot of scavenge . some survivor form band . this flick focus on two such rival group and one of which and in the pure hollywood tradition be the good guy and the other the bad guy . yul brynner and for a man in his 50 and be surprisingly in shape and exude action hero charisma . he be effective here a carson and a super tough survivor who respond to the ( very lame and plot wise ) good guy offer to protect them in exchange for a clean room and triple food ration and most importantly to him . cigar ( i kid you not ) . max von sydow aura be equally perceptible but a in many and many of his 70s/80s movie and he simply collect the paycheck here . you will appreciate his natural screen presence but do not expect to be blow away . he the leader of the good band here but be not use to best effect . his character be very one dimensional . while the one dimensionality of carson work and we expect more emotion from the peripheral character . william smith play carrot and your usual psychotic main villain and leader of the bad clan . surprisingly and he give the best performance of the entire film by far and even if that not say much . the rest of the actor be extremely weak and their character be flat and or or undeveloped . the main flaw of this movie be a failure to establish much motivation . the way leader baron ( sydow ) recruit carson at the start of the movie be beyond ridiculous . the whole setup be just so unbelievable that we expect there be more to it than carson just stand there in the middle of the city . the two clan be at war but it difficult to comprehend why exactly . sure and we get that it a typical conflict but we never swallow it . but wait and you say . why do it matter if the character be flesh out or not . isn not this an action flick . there the problem . there be a real attempt here at tell a story because there be not much action . it just that there be no real story and unfortunately . we spend a lot of time with baron bunch . learn about various character and the tension cause by the lack of food but it all underdevelop . you get the impression there be directorial comment here about communal lifestyle but they aren not clear . there also a surprising lack of romance here or other kitsch element . the final act of the flick be a drawn out chase in the subway that be anything but excite . the final confrontation have nice idea but again and fall flat . at it heart and i think ultimate warrior want to highlight the difference and more importantly the similarity between peaceful hippy and harden men such a carson and how the two react when face obstacle in a lawless environment . unfortunately and it fail . everything this movie do and the mad max trilogy do way well . except i would rather watch max von sydow than tina turner . big fan of post apoc film and sydow and brynner or cheesy 70 flick will want to give this one one viewing and that it . others be good off passing .