Product: Mad Max (1979)
Rating: 4.0
The original Max
Mel Gibson first got noticed in America through the 3 "Mad Max" films although this original never came to the U.S. until after "Mad Max 2" or "Road Warrior" as it was known in the U. S., screened. While that movie was a clichéd game changer, the original has its charm as well. Produced on a non-existent budget, this Australian film is set in a futuristic style of dust, poverty, lawlessness that we have now come to expect. The bad guys are just road marauders who exist to create havoc. The good guys are the cops (Mel) who are out to bring peace to the countryside. The movie is beautifully shot and directed, especially given the money they clearly didn't have. There's no CGI here. All the stunts are real stunt men and the driving sequences are first rate. Sure there's not much of a plot, but all hell breaks loose when Max comes back in the sequel. Stay tuned.