Category: Reviews

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]On a budget of A$4.5 million, Mad Max 2 grossed $36 million worldwide and received widespread critical acclaim. The film’s success kickstarted a wave of similarly themed post-apocalyptic movies, especially in Italy and The Philippines. It also led to George Miller working alongside John Landis, Steven Spielberg, and Joe Dante on Twilight Zone: The Movie. Sadly, around the same time, Miller’s producing partner Byron Kennedy died in a helicopter crash at age 33. While Miller wanted another Mad Max movie, he still grieved and hired George Ogilvie to help direct the film. Mel Gibson returned, and they cast Tina Turner, whose 1984 platinum-certified album Private Dancer won a Grammy, as the villain. With a $10 million budget, filming occurred around Coober Pedy, Homebush Bay, and the Australian Blue Mountains. Warner Bros, who owned the franchise rights at this point, released Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome in the summer of 1985.

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Synopsis

After losing his caravan to a pilot (Bruce Spence) and his son (Adam Cockburn), Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson) gives chase. He follows them to a trading post called Bartertown and gains an audience with its leader, Aunty Entity (Tina Turner). She explains that Bartertown’s power is run by a dwarf, Master (Angelo Rossitto), and his brute sidekick Blaster (Paul Larsson). Aunty makes Max an offer: if he can defeat Blaster and help her usurp power from Master, she’ll resupply him. Through some circumstances, Max challenges Blaster to combat in Thunderdome, where there’s one rule: two men enter, one man leaves. While Max defeats Blaster, he refuses to kill him, so Aunty kills him and banishes Max to wander the desert. Though left for dead, Max gets rescued by a clan of children who believe he’s their hero despite his objections. Now, Max must go Beyond Thunderdome and save the children.

Review

To say that Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome is a divisive entry in the series is a vast understatement. While not a terrible movie on its own, this is easily the weakest film in the franchise. Before going into what doesn’t work in this movie, there are some positive qualities to highlight. First, Mel Gibson still does a solid job as Max, now playing him more burned out and disheveled. Like before, he’s more of a reluctant hero who isn’t a bad guy but finds himself inadvertently helping others. Also, while it may have been stunt casting, Tina Turner steals the show as the villainous Aunty Entity. She chews up all the scenery around her while staying intimidating and spouts some great, instantly quotable lines. While he doesn’t have as big of a role as the last film, seeing Bruce Spence is always fantastic.

Like the last film, this one does have a big climactic chase sequence, and it’s entertaining in its own right. However, compared to the oil rig chase from Mad Max 2, the train truck chase feels like a last-minute edition. It makes sense, considering Miller initially planned a post-apocalyptic Lord of the Flies movie but added Max as a suggestion. This leads to the film’s biggest issue: the first and third acts are solid, but the middle is the weakest. Once the movie introduces the kids, the story grinds to a halt, the pacing drags, and the film loses focus. It feels like Max suddenly becomes a secondary character in his own movie, and the kids become the stars. I’m not saying this kind of story could never work, but how it’s done here falls flat. It helps that none of the kids are particularly annoying.

I feel bad critiquing this film, given that George Miller was grieving while making it, which couldn’t have been easy. That and the fact that he hired a codirector would explain why this lacks the gritty quality as the first two. Some fans have said this was more of the Hollywood version, and it has that quality. This one had a much bigger budget than its predecessors and shows in the production design, costuming, and action sequences. However, the original and even the first sequel showed that you don’t need big budgets to make a good movie. As I said before, while I think this is the weakest entry, I don’t think it’s an inherently terrible movie. Plus, at an hour and 47 minutes, the film goes by fairly quickly. Overall, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome is a far cry from its predecessors but not without its merits.

Buy Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UB3J9z.

Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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Where to watch Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

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[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Despite numerous production hurdles, Mad Max was a commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide versus its A$400,000 budget. With this success, George Miller got numerous offers from Hollywood, including directing the Sylvester Stallone vehicle First Blood. Instead, he teamed up with Terry Hayes, who wrote the first film’s novelization, for a rock and roll picture. Ultimately, that project fell through, and Miller became interested in resisting the world he created years earlier. Miller recruited Hayes and fellow writer Brian Hannant to craft a post-apocalyptic tale based on the need for oil. With a larger budget of A$4.5 million, principal photography lasted twelve weeks near Broken Hill in the winter of 1981. American International Pictures released the original stateside and was changing hands, so Warner Bros picked up the sequel’s distribution rights. For its late 1981 release, the studio retitled Mad Max 2 to The Road Warrior.

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Synopsis

The world has plunged into chaos after a global war erupted over oil shortages and the destruction of Earth’s environment. Amidst all this, former officer Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson) roams the desert in his Pursuit Special with his canine companion. During his travels, Max comes across a gyrocopter pilot (Bruce Spence) who shows him a nearby compound refining gasoline. The compound is besieged by a marauder gang led by Lord Humungus (Kjell Nilsson) and his lieutenant Wez (Vernon Wells). Max arranges a deal with the compound’s leader, Pappagallo (Mike Preston), to deliver a big rig in exchange for gas. Though damaged, Max provides the rig to help the settlers move their gasoline to a safe space. Despite the settlers’ pleas, Max leaves with his gas only to get attacked by Humungus’ men and his car destroyed. Returning broken and damaged, Max steps up and helps the settlers escape the wasteland.

Review

Much like The Empire Strikes Back, Mad Max 2 takes what worked in the original and makes it better. The film doubles down on the action, the stuntwork, and the intensity that propelled the first one to success. Usually, a higher budget would result in a worse movie, but in this case, Miller uses the bigger budget wisely. He manages to craft a larger world and more elaborate action sequences without losing the visceral quality of the original. Like its predecessor, Miller employs the same low-angle camerawork and quick-cut editing to intensify the action. The highlight of the action is the climactic chase where Max drives the big rig of gas across the wasteland. It’s a well-crafted, well-staged, and well-filmed sequence that never lets up and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Of course, action sequences are only as good as their characters, which this film succeeds with.

Like the last film, Mel Gibson is excellent as Max Rockatansky, once again giving a very stoic yet intense performance. His body language and little dialogue tell you he’s a broken man, far from who he used to be. Max is more of a reluctant hero, not wanting to get involved but finding himself stuck in these situations. He’s just trying to survive in this harsh wasteland however he can but still maintains a code of honor. Conversely, Bruce Spence provides comedic relief as The Gyro Captain to help offset the overall dreariness. Kjell Nilsson shines as the villainous Lord Humungus, though Vernon Wells steals the show as his lapdog, Wez. Another standout is Emil Minty as The Feral Kid, who, despite mainly speaking in grunts, plays a pivotal part. It’s also interesting seeing Mike Preston in a heroic role since he’d play the villain in Metalstorm years later.

While the previous film was about a society on the brink of collapse, this one fully showcases a post-apocalyptic world. George Miller expertly used the locations and production design to craft a chaotic, action-packed world that’s also bleak and desolate. Admittedly, there’s little characterization and a lack of a deep, thoughtful story, which some might see as a negative. To that point, as strong as the cast is, some characters aren’t given much to do or feel like extras. For instance, Virginia Hey’s Warrior Woman is an interesting character, but we don’t know much about her. Also, The Gyro Captain finds a love interest, but the romance doesn’t seem to go anywhere, so it feels pointless. Minor gripes aside, this is still an impressive feat of filmmaking that deserves all the acclaim it gets. Overall, Mad Max 2 is one of the best sequels and action films ever.

Buy Mad Max 2 from Amazon: https://amzn.to/48Aadv0.

Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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Where to watch Mad Max 2 (1981)

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Though he studied to become a doctor, Australian-born George Miller always dreamed of making movies. The early 1970s saw numerous Australian-made exploitation films being released, such as Stone and The Man from Hong Kong. After witnessing numerous car crash injuries as a doctor, Miller used this as inspiration for a car-centric action movie. With co-writer James McCausland, Miller drafted a story about car crashes in a dystopian future. Miller initially sought Irish-born James Healey for the titular hero, but he ultimately hired a 21-year-old Mel Gibson. The rest of the cast comprised relative unknowns and bikers from local gangs, and the shooting began in late 1977. With a relatively low budget and a first-time director, the crew used new and innovative techniques to bring it to life. After a grueling shoot, Mad Max hit Australian cinemas in 1979, followed by an American release in 1980 through AIP.

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Synopsis

Society is on the brink of collapse in the not-too-distant future as crime runs rampant and the authorities are dwindling. The Main Force Police, or MFP, is among the last remaining groups enforcing the law and needs help. Thankfully, they’ve got Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson), a good cop who can get the job done, though not for long. With the rise in violence, apathy of the locals, and his family at risk, Max is considering leaving the force. Meanwhile, Toecutter (Hugh Keays-Byrne), the leader of a biker gang, wants revenge for the death of his second-in-command. They go after Max’s partner, Jim “Goose” Rains (Steve Bisley), which convinces Max to leave the force for his family. Unfortunately, things turn tragically when Max’s wife Jessie (Joanna Samuel) and son Sprog (Brendan Heath) are killed by Toecutter’s gang. Now driven mad, Max hops into his Pursuit Special to get revenge on Toecutter.

Review

Modern audiences who’ve only seen Mad Max: Fury Road might dislike the slower tone of this movie. However, if you love what George Miller has made now, you can see how 1979’s Mad Max laid the groundwork. For a first-time director, Miller showed excellent potential in working with a limited budget and making it look bigger. The low-angle camerawork and the undercranking of the camera make the car scenes more dynamic and intense. Also, the stuntwork is excellent, though I worry that many of these stunt actors suffered traumatic head injuries. Regardless, the raw, visceral energy of the action sequences is something you could only get from late 70s indie movies. It helps that the action sequences serve the story rather than being there for the sake of being there. You genuinely care about what’s happening instead of waiting for the film to end.

Regardless of how you feel about him, there’s no denying that Mel Gibson is solid here as the titular hero. He plays the character with quiet stoicism, but you see early on that he’s a relatively normal guy. As the film goes on and more bad things happen to Max, you see him transform into a ruthless anti-hero. It’s an excellent character arc that leaves you wondering if his actions toward the end are justified. Also, Hugh Keys-Bearne shines as the villainous Toecutter, chewing up every bit of scenery around him while still being intimidating. Steve Bisley is also fun as Max’s good friend Jimmy the Goose, and what happens to him is tragic. Joanne Samuel also shines as Max’s wife, and Roger Ward has some fun moments as Fred “Fifi” Macaffee. All around, the cast is excellent, though some of them are better than others.

It’s interesting reading contemporary reviews condemn the film for its violence and “ugliness” when it’s not that gruesome. Sure, the movie is vicious, but you don’t see the violence, only the aftermath, which is somehow more disturbing. Also, composer Brian May’s score is excellent, adding to the intensity and brutality of the film with some softer touches. My only real complaints are nitpicks that can easily be explained by the limited budget, but they’re worth addressing. Some of the audio is a bit off, the editing can get erratic sometimes, and there’s little characterization. Complaints aside, this is still a landmark of Australian cinema and worldwide cinema that launched many careers. Plus, at only 93 minutes, the movie blazes by without feeling like it’s rushing to the end. Overall, Mad Max is a classic that still holds up 45 years after its release.

Buy Mad Max from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wC366S.

Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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Where to watch Mad Max (1979)

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On a $93 million budget, 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes grossed over $480 million worldwide. Naturally, 20th Century Fox wanted to make a sequel, hopefully with some of the same people as before. While writers Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and actor Andy Serkis came back, director Rupert Wyatt ultimately left. Due to Wyatt’s departure, actors James Franco and Freida Pinto confirmed they wouldn’t return, their characters dying of Simian Flu. Cloverfield director Matt Reeves replaced Wyatt, and Live Free or Die Hard writer Mark Bomback rewrote Jaffa & Silver’s script. On a budget of around $170-235 million, principal photography started in April 2013 in British Columbia and finished in June. Weta Digital, who handled the effects for the last film, returned to refine the work that earned them Oscar nominations. After premiering in June 2014, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes hit theaters in July.

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Synopsis

Ten years after the last film, the human population has reduced significantly due to the Simian Flu outbreak. Meanwhile, the hyper-intelligent apes led by Caesar (Andy Serkis) have established a colony in the San Francisco woods. Their peace is interrupted when a group of humans led by Malcolm (Jason Clarke) unknowingly crosses paths with them. They’re trying to restore a hydroelectric dam that’ll bring power to the settlement they’ve created in the city. After some tension between the two groups, the apes allow the humans to work on the dam in their territory. Koba (Toby Kebbell) opposes this alliance and hatches a scheme to eliminate Caesar, leading to an assault against the humans. As community leader Dreyfus (Gary Oldman) organizes their defenses, Malcolm and his group nurse Caesar back to health. It’s up to Caesar to stop Koba from starting a war that neither side will win.

Review

A sequel rarely improves upon the original, yet Dawn of the Planet of the Apes manages to do that. While the digital effects in the last film were impressive, the CGI here is a giant leap forward. From the opening close-up shot of Caesar’s eyes, it’s evident Weta made advancements to make the apes much more lifelike. It helps that they have some great actors doing the motion capture, including the always-dependable Andy Serkis. The performances of Serkis, Toby Kebbel, and Judy Greer, among others, make these apes feel like full-fledged characters. Even though most of their dialogue is through sign language, they’re still captivating enough that you don’t mind. Kebbel stands out as the traitorous Koba, who makes for a great villain with whom you somewhat sympathize. Seeing how he stages the human-ape war from behind the scenes is tense and suspenseful, and it never lets up.

The human cast is serviceable, though similar to the last film, I was more interested in the apes. That isn’t to say all of them are bad, as Jason Clarke and Gary Oldman deliver solid performances. Keri Russell, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and the rest of the human cast are decent, but their characters aren’t particularly memorable. I would compare this to the Michael Bay Transformers movies, but none of the humans here are annoying or obnoxious. Plus, while watching the film, I wanted to see the apes and humans work together to find peace. It’s the age-old tale of two opposing forces trying to get along only to tear each other apart. Matt Reeves does an excellent job delivering a movie that’s exciting and entertaining while injecting some thought-provoking storytelling. It’s hard to believe this is the same guy who made the 1996 romantic comedy The Pallbearer with David Schwimmer.

Of course, with this movie being a summer blockbuster, you’d expect many big action sequences, and this movie delivers. Thankfully, the action never feels like it comes at the expense of the storytelling but instead feels like a payoff. Whether it’s the ape’s assault on the human colony or the showdown between Caesar and Koba, it’s all exceptionally handled. The film also has fantastic production design, with the human stronghold and ape colony being particular highlights. It’s an exciting contrast to see the ruins of human civilization versus the rudimentary yet promising ape civilization. At just slightly over two hours long, the film never feels slow, and the pacing flows naturally. While surprised by how good Rise was, I’m astounded by what Reeves and company did with this sequel. Overall, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is one of those rare sequels that’s better than its predecessor.

And now, what should follow the Dawn but a War?

Buy Dawn of the Planet of the Apes from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wvJDEJ.

Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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Where to watch Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

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