It Tanked

Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett's British comic book Tank Girl is beloved for its raunchy humor, anarchic punk sensibilities and nonstop senseless violence. Even though the duo co-wrote the script for the big-screen adaptation of the book, a lot of that stuff is lost. Still, it's a hell of a film in its own weird way, thanks in large part to the casting choices and an overpowering '90s soundtrack. Lori Petty stars as Tank Girl, who does indeed drive a tank through a post-apocalyptic wasteland. She hangs out with mutant talking kangaroos (played by Ice-T and Iggy Pop), her best friend Jet Girl is played by Naomi Watts, and Malcolm McDowell plays the evil corporate guy they're all tanking against. It's a bit of a mess, but it has its moments -- strange, baffling moments. Tank Girl screens at 8 p.m. tonight at Schlafly Bottleworks (7260 Southwest Boulevard) as part of the Webster University's Strange Brew film series. Call 314-968-7487 or visit www.webster.edu/filmseries for more information. Admission is $5.
Wed., April 2, 8 p.m., 2014