Mad Max (1979)

Mad Max is the breakthrough role that sent Australian born Mel Gibson's career into high gear. Set in a near apocalyptic era in Australia, Max Rockatansky, and his group of leather clad law enforcers, try to help keep the roads safe from motorcycle gangs who are constantly terrorizing the citizens. Things start to heat up after Max chases down and takes out a goon known as Nightrider. In response the leader of Nightrider's gang, Toecutter, starts accelerating their rode rage of which Max's wife and son soon become victims of. Now with nothing left to live for "Mad" Max seeks to take his revenge anyway he sees fit and end the gangs reign of terror once and for all.

Mad Max is one of those films where a short 94 minutes can seem to be an eternity. While the film begins and ends with two very exhilarating car chases the 30-45 minutes in between become rather uneventful and drug out. It's the obvious transition from sane to insane which takes too long occur, while it's clear Max's family has to die for him to become "Mad", it's progression to this stage which seems to take forever. Overall, Mad Max is a simple film with a basic story of revenge which serves as a decent back story and beginning for this trilogy. It's a film that really relies on its sequels, taken by itself Mad Max is a film that will end up boring many and exciting few. It's really only worth watching if you plan on checking out the sequels (which are more entertaining) otherwise pass it by.

6/10