Tank Girl

Based on the hugely popular British comic book character by Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett, it’s fair to say that upon its theatrical release back in 1995, this big-screen adaptation, err, tanked… not only receiving mixed reviews but it was a box office flop! However, as is often the case, TANK GIRL the film has since become a cult classic (not least for its feminist themes), brought to life in an outrageously entertaining manner by Lori Petty, with a devilishly evil Malcolm McDowell as her enemy. Now finally available on Blu-ray, the post-apocalyptic tale looks more sizzling than ever!

Set in the Australian outback in the year 2033, water is sparse following a long global drought after a comet plunged into our planet. The precious liquid, or what little there’s left of it, is controlled by the mighty Water & Power (W&P) corporation, led by the unscrupulous Kesslee (Malcolm McDowell). Enter Rebecca Buck, better known as Tank Girl (Lori Petty) – an anti-establishment punk renegade belonging to a commune in the outback operating the last water well, which is not controlled by W&P. It goes without saying that Kesslee won’t have it and his henchmen attack the commune, during which Tank Girl’s boyfriend Richard is killed, while Tank Girl, together with her young friend Sam (Stacy Linn Ramsower) end up getting kidnapped by the corporation.

Kesslee has his own plans regarding Tank Girl and instead of killing her, he decides to enslave her while also holding Sam captive. Clearly, Kesslee can see the potential in Tank Girl as a bona fide ‘riot grrrl’ and fierce and fearless fighter, thus having her aboard the corporation… Fat chance! Stubborn and defiant Tank Girl rather endures torture, including being pushed down a long pipe in order to trigger claustrophobia. At W&P headquarters, she makes the acquaintance of Jet Girl (Naomi Watts), a shy and introverted jet mechanic who would like nothing more than to escape the clutches of Kesslee but until she’s met Tank Girl, simply didn’t have the guts. It is thanks to Tank Girl that Jet Girl becomes almost as fearless and her new friend. We are also introduced to the mysterious Rippers, who are super-soldiers created from human and kangaroo DNA (yes, really) by a certain Johnny Prophet. Via a ruse involving the Rippers. Jet Girl and Tank Girl (who steals a tank) finally manage to escape, with Kesslee fatally wounded.

However, the search is now on to free Sam who, our two heroines are informed from Sub Girl (Ann Cusack), is forced to work in a sex club called Liquid Silver, owned by ‘The Madam’ (Ann Magnuson). Cue for numerous costume changes and outrageous outfits needed for Tank Girl in order to infiltrate the club and save Sam from the vile paedophile Rat Face (Iggy Pop) and humiliate Madam by making her perform a Cole Porter number in front of assembled guests (Madam can’t sing to save her life). Tank Girl, however, can sing and we are treated to a demonstration. With Sam rescued, you’d think that this is where the adventure ends but far from it, because Tank Girl and Jet Girl now join forces with the Rippers and plan to destroy the W&P compound forever. There’s even a bit of romance lurking on the horizon, what with Jet Girl hitting it off with Ripper Donner (Scott Coffey) and Tank Girl hitting it off with Ripper Booga (Jeff Kober)… although initially Ripper T-Saint (rapper Ice-T) is somewhat suspicious but later warms to the gals. The stage is set for an almighty and explosive showdown when Tank Girl, Jet Girl and the Rippers take on the corporation and the battle turns shockingly violent after the dead Kesslee emerges on the scene, after having been reconstructed by a cybernetic surgeon. As the duel between Kesslee and Tank Girl is about to unfold, we can guess who comes out trumps…

Visually, the movie is an absolute treat and the same can be said for the sets and the make-up (headed by Stan Winston). There’s nothing negative to report about the performances either, in particular Lori Petty, who really made Tank Girl her own! If there is one massive flaw (and presumably that is why the film flopped at the box-office) then it’s the muddled and rather incoherent script (penned by Tedi Sarafian). There isn’t any clear structure as such and while this may well work for the actual comic strip, it doesn’t really translate on screen. As a result, the storyline comes across as so chaotic and overwhelming, with far too much crammed into its 104 minutes running time, that watching the film somehow feels exhausting once we’ve reached the second half… Still, an ace soundtrack (supervised by Hole’s Courtney Love) and interspersed cartoon sequences (not to mention the aforementioned sets and the inspired casting) will make you want to re-visit this fun and bonkers adventure!

This Limited Edition Collector’s Edition (2000 copies only) comes complete with a hardbound slipcase, featuring new and stunning artwork by TANK GIRL cover artist Greg Staples. Bonus features include various audio options / audio commentary / new and archival interviews / Making of… / ‘The Girl You Want’ appreciation, plus trailer.