Starring Mel Gibson, the 1979 movie MAD MAX is set In a self-destructing world where a vengeful Australian policeman sets out to stop a violent motorcycle gang.

One of the film’s actors John Ley joins us after the movie to chat all things MAD MAX and beyond. John Ley has also featured in the Australian cult movies Turkey Shoot and BMX Bandits.

Made for $400,000 and a big success in America, MAD MAX was the most profitable film ever made at the time.

MAD MAX screens at 8.15pm followed by John Ley’s Q&A, hosted by Dan Jensen from MovieTalk.

Why not make a night of it with the 1988 Australian movie YOUNG EINSTEIN screening at 6.30pm

TICKETS $15.00 – $19.00 per person + booking fee (18+ event)

“Experience a classic Australian movie with special guest,” Fletcher said.

“John Ley will be in attendance to sign autographs and chat all things Mad Max “.

MAD MAX 40th Anniversary + Q&A with John Ley
Metro Arts 109 Edward St Brisbane
Friday 4 October 8.15pm
Tickets $15.00 per person
Bookings: www.kristianfletcher.com

The set designs are awe inspiring and play as much of a character in the proceedings as top billed stars Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron. The vehicles on display are also amazing and this side of the film has been ramped up to the point of disbelief. Car heads are in for a very good time. There are also a few surprises with casting that give you a chance to see known stars outside their comfort zone.

Themes of a post-apocalyptic wasteland are revisited but with enough of a twist to keep fans of parts one, two and three as well as the newbie satisfied. The inclusion of some new and interesting characters also adds interest. Hardy is well cast as the man of few words and Charlize continues to play down the glamour with gratifying results.

Director George Miller has learned a lot since those early days and it shows. He’s use of bold strokes with character development has been buttressed with a level of nuance vacant in the first three goes. See it for the over the top action but also enjoy it for the illumination of the human struggle and their ultimate accomplishment.

Rob Hudson
www.madmaxmovie.com

I mean it was serious the last two times too but this time it’s even serious… er. Indeed this mission is so dangerous that Rambo sacks his current geriatric crew in favour of a new younger mob. Apparently there’s greater honour in leading young folks to the slaughter than it is to lead old folks… or something like that… but, hey, as long as it’s a good rollicking fun time, who cares?

And this is fun! Good clean silly fun with a dash of violence that teams up the best assembly of vintage action stars ever seen. Rocky joins hands with the likes of Ivan Drago, Bacon and Blade and by the end of it even Conan, Han Solo and El Mariachi are in on the act. The new young guns are probably famous for some prior project (though I’ve never heard of them) and obviously this is Stallone’s attempt to bloody some individually picked up’n’coming action stars. Which makes the film somewhat of a vanity project for Sly but, hey, when was The Expendables anything other than a vanity project? And as long as it’s fun who cares?

With the generationally diverse cast, old school is pitted against new school; new technology versus muscle and there’s plenty of comic nods between 80’s style action and the new breed of technology driven action film. As a result, there’s something for everybody and the film has wide, intergenerational appeal.

Gibson makes a great bad guy and is the highlight of the film in terms of performances. Everybody else efficiently chews through their dumb lines, dropping gags, ribbing each other, referencing the grand old days of 80’s action moofies and Arnie gets to sprout lines like, “Get to the chah-pah!” as often as possible which is really cheesy and exactly the reason why we watch films like this.

Is this a good movie? No, it’s actually quite awful. But as long as it’s fun, who cares? It’s sense of fun more than makes up for its shortfalls.

Stuart Jamieson
www.theexpendablesmovie.net