Writer/director Mark Battle's 43-minute Old Man 2 is a cinematic curiosity, an absolutely intentional B-movie styled semi-action comic adventure that features, by the director's own admission, "hilariously bad acting and B-movie madness."

Indeed, it does.

Battle refers to Old Man 2 as a film that takes place 15 years after his very first film - you guessed it, Old Man. In that film, the Lockthorn nursing home was attacked. Now, Buster (John Mason) is on an urgent mission to find his vanished friend, Doc (Mark Battle), while the film's baddie, Dr. Radley (Fabio Falorni), seeks revenge while tracking down the elusive "Resident 644." 

Battle, somewhat fortunately, was quick to point out that he shot his first film 15-years go with a borrowed camera and a cast of friends and family. The film, which I have not seen (and don't particularly care to) featured, again in Battle's own words, "an outlandish plot, poor lighting, poor make-up, and poor acting." Per Battle's report, the film somehow survived all that and became an indie cult classic and a joke within his cinematic circle. 

With Old Man 2, Battle returns to those early days with a sense of nostalgia and a willingness to make it all look not so good again. 

There's a certain relief one feels when realizing that Old Man 2 is thoroughly intended to lean into its B-movie tendencies. While even in this B-movie it's obvious that Battle has improved as a filmmaker, there's no denying that anyone seeking a traditional movie experience will likely end up disappointed here. Old Man 2 has godawful make-up and costuming - Buster's mustache is practically a character unto its own and may very well be the best performer of them all. Yet, despite all the B-movie madness there's fun to be had here for those willing to go with it. This is absurd fun and you can tell that those making it are having as much fun, if not more fun, than those watching it. The fun itself is infectious. 

While I wouldn't dare call it a good performance, it's clear that John Mason is enjoying himself here and understands the assignment at hand. Mason's Buster is a hoot, an action-packed elder whose actions constantly leave you wondering exactly what's going to happen next. 

At some point, you just have to roll a joint and enjoy this thing. 

Old Man 2 isn't a bad film. Old Man 2 isn'a good film. Old Man 2 is exactly what  I called it - a cinematic curiosity intentionally setting itself in the B-movie realm and absolutely having a good time with. If you can surrender yourself to it, you'll have a good time. If you can't? Well, hey, at least it's only 43-minutes. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic