Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

Directed by George Miller and George Ogilvie
Written by Terry Hayes and George Miller
Starring Mel Gibson, Tina Turner, Robert Grubb and Angelo Rossitto

After being banished from a town in the desert and forced to travel through the dry wasteland with no provisions, a former Australian Policeman is rescued by a tribe of children who inhabit an oasis in the center of an apocalyptic dystopia.

It is remarkable how three films in the same series can be so similar, yet so unique in their own way. To the point where it feels as though they are different stories set in the same universe.

The second movie of this series completely abandoned any form of civilization that the first film had established. And in this third movie, civilization has begun to grow again. It’s almost like a complete evolutionary cycle revolving around the destruction and rebirth of man.

As it has already proven to be a fun and enjoyable action series, the final chapter (at least until this May) is no different. Filled with intense chase sequences, interesting characters and remarkable machines, it still holds up as a great adventure, even by today’s standards. And while there is undoubtedly little gasoline and water in this world, there is definitely no shortage of hairspray.

The 80s were a much simpler time.

What I love most about this movie series is each film’s ability to completely ignore its predecessor, while at the same time flow as a single, coherent story. That and the ridiculous, over-the-top style. In a civilization where mohawks are apparently uniform for law enforcement, this film delivers exactly what it promises: Action. Violence. Australian accents. It doesn’t try to be anything else, and that makes it oh so sweet.

My Rating: 7/10

Rocky (1976)

Directed by John G. Avildsen
Written by Sylvester Stallone
Starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young and Carl Weathers

Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer gets a supremely rare chance to fight the heavy-weight champion, Apollo Creed, in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect.

Yes, I have never seen the original "Rocky" until today. Shut up about it!

As resident of the Philadelphia area, I have no idea how I have never seen this movie. I've seen "Rocky IV", but none of the others. It's one of those movies that just slipped through the cracks, I guess. After watching it nearly 40 years later, I find that it still holds water. It is still an inspirational underdog story that paved the way for similar films after.

In 1977, this film won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. I haven't seen all of the nominees from that year, but I have seen "Taxi Driver" and "Network", both of which I believe could have beat out this film if the award was given out today. It has withstood the test of time, but in my opinion, as a whole it is not up to par with those other two great films.

It is without a doubt some of Sylvester Stallone's best acting and even writing. Granted, I feel that it was either a fluke or he just decided to make crazy action movies following this one. Either way, I don't think he regrets anything in his career. It is a storied one that is somewhat reflected in the screenplay for "Rocky". Rags to riches. Nobody to somebody. A true underdog story.

My Rating: 7/10