_**Strange comic book adventure set after a nuclear event in the Outback starring Mel Gibson and Tina Turner**_ In a post-apocalyptic version of Australia, Mad Max (Mel Gibson) journeys to Bartertown, located in the Outback and overseen by Aunty Entity (Tina Turner) along with The Collector (Frank Thring). He agrees to eliminate MasterBlaster, who manages the town’s underground methane production, but finds himself banished to a dangerous desert where he encounters… (viewing the film will reveal what happens next). “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” (1985) is the third installment in George Miller’s series following “Mad Max” (1979) and “The Road Warrior” (1981). The fourth film, “Fury Road,” wasn't released until 2015—Miller has since announced a fifth entry titled “The Wasteland.” All of the films received an R rating with one exception: "Beyond Thunderdome," which bothers some fans. I don’t find that to be a significant issue because the level of violence, sex and profanity doesn't necessarily reflect a film's quality—particularly for younger viewers. Similar to its predecessors, “Beyond Thunderdome” mixes a harsh survival scenario with a cartoonish feel, making it hard to take completely seriously, much like the original Planet of the Apes movies (1968 & 1971). This playful tone has always been something I've struggled with in these films, but if you can accept that aspect, they can be enjoyed for what they are: a kind of outlandish fantasy. It simply requires being willing to enter their peculiar world. Many viewers dislike the subplot involving children living in the desert, although this portion only lasts 25 minutes before reconnecting with events from earlier in the story. Furthermore, Helen Buday as Savannah is endearing and attractive. The shift from a peaceful oasis to Bartertown seems illogical on the surface, but it can be interpreted as representing the transition from the innocence of youth into the challenges of adulthood. The dialogue feels peculiar, simple, and rough, so don’t anticipate sophisticated conversations. Also, the narrative isn't particularly gripping. Despite this, the movie is an iconic product of the 1980s and has its own unique appeal—its overall strangeness, the barren landscapes, the quiet protagonist, Savannah’s charm, plus Turner and her songs (“We Don’t Need Another Hero”). The film’s running time is 1 hour, 47 minutes, and it was filmed in Australia. GRADE: B-

Source on TMDB