BACK TO THE FUTURE - PART III (1990)

In this final part of the trilogy, Marty is transported back to the Old West to the year 1885 - one hundred years back from his own present time. What follows, is one of the best modern day Westerns you can find. Filled with all the expected elements of any John Wayne or Clint Eastwood cowboy movie you ever saw. It is actually ironic that it took this particular sci-fi movie to breathe some life into the waning Western genre during the 1990's.

Unfortunately for us, this is where the Back To The Future franchise ends. Nobody ever attempted to make a follow-up sequel or even a remake (up to now that is). But maybe that is a good thing as it preserves its cult status this way. However, lately there is a bit of a Back To The Future revival under a new generation of movie goers that are rediscovering the franchise and because it was so excellently done in the first place, this techno-smart generation finds it just as fresh as we did when it was originally released. Therefor, if it does not make out part of your movie collection already, make sure you get hold of it somehow as your kids or grand-kids might just blame you for never introducing them to the fabulous futuristic hover board. Even the title of the film has since become such a trendy catch phrase that many politicians can't help themselves from using it!

And to think this iconic franchise almost never made it to the big screen in the first place. Part 3 deserves its 3 out of 5 stars just as the previous two did.

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYkguxpqsrg

An original DMC De Lorean...                             ...vs the time machine

BACK TO THE FUTURE - PART II (1989)

After such a difficult birth the initial movie was intended to be an once off project only - an experiment if you will. But after its unexpected and smashing success at the box office, it was inevitable for a sequel to follow. Eventually it became one of the most successful movie franchises of the 80's and some would even say ever.

In this the first sequel, Doc fetches Marty to go and fix the latter's family in the future. However, while they are there the villainous Biff (played by Thomas F. Wilson) steals the DeLorean time machine to go and change his past. So that when Marty returns to his own time he finds himself in an alternate universe where everything has been changed for the worse. This then, of cause, means that he has to travel back to the past as well to go and fix things once again.

At the time the special effects used in this movie were considered cutting edge but what else would you expect with Steven Spielberg involved? The cast is mostly the same and therefore it actually feels like Part II follows naturally on to Part I (although the first one was never officially called Part I as already explained above). I simply loved it too and therefor gave it 3 out of 5 stars as well. 

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdENmefJRpw

 Marty with the famous hover board...

BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985)

From one futuristic classic to another. The original concept by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale was turned down something like 40 times, among others by Disney, before it was finally picked up by Steven Spielberg in collaboration with Universal Pictures. And the rest, as they say, is history!

In short, the story is about lonely teenager Marty McFly (played by Hollywood's then hottest property Michael J. Fox) who's only real friend is mad scientist Doc Brown (hilariously portrayed by Christopher Lloyd). The latter created a time machine, using the notoriously unreliable DeLorean sports-car as platform. And so the time travel adventures of Marty and the Doc begins...

This movie went on and won several awards, among others an Oscar for Best Special Effects, a People's Choice Award for Best Motion Picture as well as a Young Artist Award, all in 1986. Michael J. Fox, however, was by then already well known for his role as Alex P. Keaton from the immensely popular TV series Family Ties which ran from 1982 until 1989. But it did make the DeLorean famous so much so that today these cars are regarded as real sought after collectibles which often go for ridiculously high prices at auction.

I must confess that I actually enjoyed watching it again after so many years and can really recommend it as good family-fun viewing. I had no hesitation in awarding it 3 out of 5 stars. 

Trailer link:    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvsgGtivCgs

 

 Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd

MAD MAX 3: BEYOND THUNDERDOME (1985)

This is the third an final film of the original trilogy with Mel Gibson as Max. And although the recent production Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) is generally regarded as the third sequel (ie #4 of the franchise) it is actually more of a remake of The Road Warrior.

In this movie, however, Max is wandering through the desolate wilderness when he stumbles upon Bartertown, a cutthroat village which is apparently run by a ferocious female called Aunty Entity (played by Tina Turner). He then is challenged to a fight to the death in the Thunderdome arena. But because he refuses to kill his opponent off he is banished to the desert where he is condemned to die of thirst. Here he is then discovered by a lost tribe of wild children who see him as their savior.

This movie maybe best known for its soundtrack as performed by Tina Turner and more particularly the great song "We Don't Need Another Hero". Besides that, the story line is a bit more developed than the previous two deliveries which makes it somewhat more interesting. Of cause there is the obligatory chase scene to satisfy any adrenaline junkie. In the end, I also scored it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JKZKjFjHDM

 

...and finally the car from Thunderdome  

MAD MAX 2: THE ROAD WARRIOR (1981)

Apparently the first Mad Max movie initially was not all that popular in the USA. Therefor the original Australian title Mad Max 2 would not have made much sense to American audiences. That explains why it was eventually released titled just as The Road Warrior.

It is a few years later and after the tragic death of his wife and child, Max had become a loner. The world is still in chaos and fuel had become a scarce and valuable commodity. He then gets entangled in the battle between a small oil producing community and a bunch of crazies who will do anything to get their filthy hands on the precious liquid.

This movie contains some of the best car chase scenes ever filmed for the big screen. Fortunately for this particular disc I viewed they did not again tamper with the original Aussie soundtrack which makes it much more palatable for the average viewer. If you liked the first one, you will love this one. It sort of sets the tone for most post apocalyptic films that followed in its wake. This is recommended viewing for all fans of this genre and I scored it 3 out of 5 stars as well. 

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caHnaRq8Qlg

...the Road Warrior car...