Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome *** (1985, Mel Gibson, Tina Turner, Bruce Spence, Angelo Rossitto, Helen Buday, Rod Zuanick, Frank Thring) – Classic Movie Review 6,506

The 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome is the lavish third part of director George Miller’s trilogy. in which Mel Gibson’s Max leads a revolt by children against villainous Aunty Entity (Tina Turner).

The 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome is Mad Max 3 – its working title and release title in some countries – the third and final part of director George Miller’s trilogy.

Unfortunately, arguably Mad Max is already beyond his sell-by date in this lavish but formulaic third film. in which Mel Gibson’s Max leads a revolt by children against villainous Aunty Entity (Tina Turner), Bartertown’s mad ruler in post-apocalyptic Australia.

Little is left over for coming up with a rattling good yarn, any character development or much breakneck action as all the energy and imagination seem to have gone into the spectacular stunts, sets, costumes and visuals, although admittedly all four of these are thrilling.

However, a couple of times it comes real good. And it is the deadly duel battle in the Thunderdome arena and the finale chase that finally do hit the exciting level of the first two films though. And Gibson and Turner (who is great as the villainess Aunty Entity) are certainly good fun to watch.

For better or for worse, mainly worse, the movie is more mainstream, and less post-apocalyptic bleak and violent than before. It follows Mad Max (1979) and Mad Max 2 (1981).

Two top songs are performed by Tina Turner at the start and end of the movie: We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) and One of the Living.

Also in the cast are Bruce Spence as Jedediah the Pilot, Michael Preston as Pappagallo, Vernon Wells as Wez, Angelo Rossitto, Helen Buday as Savannah Nix, Rod Zuanick as Scrooloose, Frank Thring, Angry Anderson, Paul Larsson,  Robert Grubb, George Spartels, Edwin Hodgeman, Bob Hornery and Andrew Oh.

It is co-directed by George Ogilvie, runs 105 minutes, is released by Warner Bros, is written by Terry Hayes and George Miller, shot by Dean Semler, produced by Bryon Kennedy and George Miller, scored by Maurice Jarre and designed by Graham Walker.

It is followed by Mad Max: Fury Road (2015).

Tina Turner (born Anna Mae Bullock; November 26, 1939 – May 24, 2023) was known as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. She is also memorable as the Acid Queen in Tommy.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 6,506

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