I didn't see the setting as being similar to either of those movies, I view it more as a "Fallout" or maybe a "Jeremiah" type of setting. I saw it being post-apocalyptic more than just a grim future.
Six of one/half-doz for me. I was picking it up from one of the previous positive comments (from the outside boards):
Mari Mitchell - May 2nd, 2008 - This reminded me of the movie “Warriors”
and the whole "Georgies", "Deadboys" gangs thing. I didn't think it was that well-developed and once you realize it's in service of a punchline, well, it doesn't really matter, does it?
This was great.
I was expecting, as I suppose everyone was, something of great significance to the masses, like a crucifix, a Koran, a pinnacle, or some other praised object. I was pleasantly surprised as the author showed that HOPE can be packaged in a million different ways - the only requirement being that you believe in its power.
I expected some kind of medicine or similar. Didn't even think it might be religious; she found it in a drugstore, right?
The whole time, from the first oblique reference to the final reveal, I couldn't help but think how ridiculously obvious it was that she had found... a bottle of Captain Morgan.
At least that wouldn't have cut the hell out of the roof of her brother's mouth when he ate it. Ouch!
You got that, brother! Thanks for making me laugh!
And, Thanks For Listening
“As each wave of technology is released. It must be accompanied by a demand for new skills, new language. Consumers must constantly update their ways of thinking, always questioning their understanding of the world. Going back to old ways, old technology is forbidden. There in no past, no present, only an endless future of inadequacy.”
Richard Kadrey, “Genocide” (1989)