Review of Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) by Kai82 — 11 Dec 2021

This movie is not like by a lot of Mad Max fans and they say it is the worst movie in the franchise. I say those should see a real bad sequel like Highlander 2, Star Trek 5 or Star Wars The Last Jedi. If this is the lowest point than you should thank Hollywood that they did not butcher the franchise and that it is one of a few franchises with no weak movie.

The movie has a good story, more character development than the prequels and solid action. Of cause it is a bit different form the first 2 movies and cant compete with Fury Road but that is still nowhere near a disaster or even average.

Like all movies of the franchise it is set in a post apocalyptic future were the world is a barren wasteland / desert and the survivors struggle to survive. Our civilization, technology and morals are just stories of the past or abstract concepts.

The story follows again (Mad) Max Rockatansky who travels through the wastelands when his car and all belongings were stolen by a pair of thieves with a smart approach that I wont spoil. When he follows them to a settlement called Bartertown to get back his stuff he is involved into the power struggles of the town.

He will be dragged down into the fragile balance of power and things will change. This is the set up to the story. Actually I liked the story. They add a lot to the lore, introduce good characters and have some natural development.

A lot of this movie enter pop culture knowledge. Like for example “Master Blaster”, “Two men enter one man leaves” etc. I watched it a few times and do not know why people dislike this movie. It is no 10/10 but definitely good.

We have also a strong cast. Mel Gibson returns as Mad Max and fully delivers his signature role. Tina Turner as Aunty Entity was a positive surprise. She rocks every scene she is in and feels natural.

Then we have Angelo Rossitto as Master and Paul Larson as Blaster. Together as Master Blaster they are an interesting combo and work well. The rest of the cast is strong too with Gary Stephen “Angry” Anderson as Ironbar Bassey, Adam Cockburn as Jedediah Jr, Bruce Spence as Jedediah and Helen Buday as Savannah.

All together give a truly strong performance. Of cause the costumes, sets and locations look convincing. They give exactly the right feeling of a post apocalyptic future where civilization ended and the weak are eaten by the strong.

Again nothing to complain. The soundtrack is excellent with Tina Turner giving us the classic “We don't need no other hero” which is still played today and sometimes covered. The rest is good too with “One of the Living”, “Bartertown” and “The Children”.

Overall this was an enjoyable movie that I can recommend and did rewatch a few times. Not a 10/10 but definitely at least an 8/10 for me.