Warfare is a complex and sensitive subject that’s been depicted for decades in film and T.V. through various genres including drama, action, comedy, biographical, etc. Old Man 2 parodies films based on war like the satirical Tropic Thunder and the action-packed Rambo pictures while also laying out the themes of battle, loss, and survival through entertaining characters and creative storytelling.
The first feature, Old Man, was made fifteen years before the sequel, and was shot, produced, written, and directed by Mark Battle (who also did the sound). Old Man is about Doc (portrayed by Battle) who escapes from a nursing home run by the menacing Dr. Radley (Fabio Falorni). While walking, he notices Buster (John Mason), his old friend and comrade who fought with him in war. Despite being in a wheelchair, Buster helps Doc in his quest to take down Radley and his CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) associates so that they can live in freedom.
Old Man 2 picks up right where the first film left off. Buster tries to find Doc while continuing to battle Radley and his CNA henchmen. While enduring torture at Lockthorn, Buster never gives up his fight and intends to take down any CNA associate who stands in his way. Reminiscent of the first movie, Buster has military guns, weapons, and tools to engage the enemy.
Battle is the type of director several filmmakers aspire to be because, like Robert Rodriguez and John Carpenter, he likes to have visionary control of his movies through acting, writing, directing, sound, etc. Battle understands that these are B-movies that contain hammy acting and over-the-top plots. However, that doesn’t take away from the fun and commitment these films convey.
While Old Man was scrappy and poorly lit, Old Man 2 has a more refined look with bright lighting and better choreographed action sequences. The shootouts, fight scenes, and explosions are also bloodier, and the woods are an effectively gritty setting for the action as Buster battles CNA associates in pure Rambo style mode.
As Buster, Mason delivers a committed performance as an experienced war veteran who knows how to fight and survive, and also has a rugged sense of humor along with a gritty voice that suits his character’s toughness. Battle is also stoic as Doc, and in the tradition of villainous bad guys, Falorni makes Radley a hammy baddie who’s commanding, controlling, and mad all at once with a snarly smile. Radley’s CNA henchmen are also comical because they’re like Agent Smiths who sound robotic, all wear the same wardrobe (dark sunglasses, white polo t-shirts, and white pants), and use syringes with blue liquid.
Amidst all the violent action and an exciting action-oriented score by Michael Teoli, Old Man 2 and its predecessor are love letters to action packed war features about war veterans who don’t want to be controlled nor disrespected by the evils of the world – and intend to be treated fairly just like everyone else. Bring on Old Man 3!
