Review of Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) by Marcos F — 25 Nov 2010

Mad Max and The Road Warrior redefined the action genre. Not only did the films have some of the best action scenes ever filmed, but they also made Australian actor, Mel Gibson a star. Obviously it's only natural that they would make a third entry in this bizarre series of action films. Mad Max has always had eccentric characters, and loads of action. In the case of Beyond Thunderdome its one one the films that features the oddest characters of the series, Master/Blaster being the one. George Miller takes a different approach to this film, as Max no longer has a car, and he now more than ever looks like a drifter, lost, soulless and barely human. The film is quite original in it's idea, and has all the elements that make a Mad Max film great, but something is obviously missing which is of course, car chases, and impressive crashes. Beyond Thunderdome is a mixed bag and it doesn't do the first two justice, the film is good of course, but it lacks the adrenaline surge that was very much present in The Road Warrior.

Considering that the first two films in this trilogy are prime examples of some of the best action films ever made, Beyond Thunderdome is a bit of a letdown. Though the cast gives great performances here and Tina Turner is better than Mel Gibson actually this time around, this film lacks something that makes a Mad Max film so special. This third entry in the trilogy is average to say the least and the lack great ideas for this film is apparent. However this is a good film, but definitely not as terrfic and awesome as the first two. Beyond Thunderdome is a film that does have impressive visuals and good action, but it lacks the wicked car chases of the firs two.