THE ATLANTIS INTERCEPTORS is a somewhat quick and slapdash addition to the Italian mini-wave of post-apocalypse movies that came out in the wake of ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK and the first two MAD MAX movies. This one is directed by Ruggero Deodato and it's fair to say that it's not one of his best films, lacking the raw power of CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST for example. However, it does still manage to be one of his more entertaining efforts despite the shortcomings.
The first thing to mention here is that THE ATLANTIS INTERCEPTORS makes little sense in terms of plot. Atlantis rises to the surface after a nuclear accident and is protected by a giant plastic bubble. The inhabitants are the usual weirdly-dressed goons from the MAD MAX films, presided over by cult ninja star Bruce Baron playing a guy called 'Crystal Skull'. His appearance has to be seen to be believed.
Against them are a motley group of heroes played by the usual Italian stars like Ivan Rassimov and Christopher Connelly. Even Antonio Margheriti Tony King is here as the token black guy with a talent for kicking ass. What follows is an endless stream of action scenes as the plot barely strings together one set-piece following another. There's a siege on a house, a foot chase, a chase in a bus that directly references MAD MAX 2, and even some helicopter action. The ending goes into overt sci-fi territory and is the worst part of the movie, making little sense.
The sheer wealth of action in this film is what keeps it moving. There's the occasional gore effect of a decapitation or slashing but mainly this is about firepower, explosions, and stunt men earning their money. The early scenes in which the characters explore their newly-destroyed world are quite eerie and atmospheric, but these are soon dispensed with in favour of endless cheesy action. What harm is there in that? None in my book. THE ATLANTIS INTERCEPTORS is shallow but never less than fun.
The first thing to mention here is that THE ATLANTIS INTERCEPTORS makes little sense in terms of plot. Atlantis rises to the surface after a nuclear accident and is protected by a giant plastic bubble. The inhabitants are the usual weirdly-dressed goons from the MAD MAX films, presided over by cult ninja star Bruce Baron playing a guy called 'Crystal Skull'. His appearance has to be seen to be believed.
Against them are a motley group of heroes played by the usual Italian stars like Ivan Rassimov and Christopher Connelly. Even Antonio Margheriti Tony King is here as the token black guy with a talent for kicking ass. What follows is an endless stream of action scenes as the plot barely strings together one set-piece following another. There's a siege on a house, a foot chase, a chase in a bus that directly references MAD MAX 2, and even some helicopter action. The ending goes into overt sci-fi territory and is the worst part of the movie, making little sense.
The sheer wealth of action in this film is what keeps it moving. There's the occasional gore effect of a decapitation or slashing but mainly this is about firepower, explosions, and stunt men earning their money. The early scenes in which the characters explore their newly-destroyed world are quite eerie and atmospheric, but these are soon dispensed with in favour of endless cheesy action. What harm is there in that? None in my book. THE ATLANTIS INTERCEPTORS is shallow but never less than fun.