Product: Mad Max (1979)
Rating: 3.0
*** 3.6 / 5 [B]
In 1981, THE ROAD WARRIOR was released in to the United States and became an instant hit, but George Miller's story of angry cop Max begins with his 1979 classic MAD MAX.Mel Gibson plays the title character, "Mad" Max Rockatansky, a cop in a postapocalyptic future (when exactly isn't specified). He's the best cop around, patroling the highways for speed-hungry gang members. Well, after his best friend is killed and Max steps in, the gang gets a little mad. In the end, Max (now gone a little beyond Mad) sets out to avenge the death of his wife and infant child, both killed by the gang.MAD MAX is a sci-fi classic that spawned one of the best-loved sci-fi series of all-time. Miller's directing style brings the needed impact to the seemingly dead futuristic earth. Gibson is also good in his star-making role (look at how young he is...wow!) - plus Brian May (not the Queen Brian May) contributes a good score.Top-notch sci-fi action entertainment and one of the greatest (and funnest) films to come out of Australia. Followed by MAD MAX 2 (THE ROAD WARRIOR) and MAD MAX BEYOND THUNDERDOME.