Product: Mad Max (1979)
Rating: 3.0
Not a classic, but it's got its thrills and stunts.
The Road Warrior is one of the best action films ever made. Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome explores post-apocalyptic societies better than any film ever has. Where does this leave Mad Max? What it remains is a flawed, but remarkable low-budget film. On a reported cost of $ George Miller has staged some truly impressive chases and stunts. Not a penny was wasted in this production. There are even some very tense moments, such as the scene where the gang tries to run over an injured Max as he desperately reaches for his gun.But the film still has its flaws and I can't just ignore them because of the low-budget or the cult classic status this movie has received. The problems range from some poor acting to scene transitions that are somewhat done in a disjointed manner. The only good performances seem to come from Mel Gibson and Joanne Samuel. Most others don't exactly get a lot of time to flesh out their characters.And then, there's the pace, which begins in lightning speed with its opening car chase, but slows down considerably quite a bit before regaining its action momentum in the finale. The Road Warrior began slowly, but it built itself up to a breakneck pace half-way through, rather than in the finale.So, Mad Max may not be a classic like its sequel, and it is the weakest of the series, but it's still very much worth watching for Gibson fans and those looking for some truly gritty and realistic action.