In the near future, the world economy has collapsed and Australia has been racked by massive unemployment, crime, and rioting. Gangs roam the streets destroying cars and stripping them for parts. Crabs (Ned Manning) is a young man doing his best to survive. One night he takes his
girlfriend (Natalie McCurry) to see a movie at the Star Drive-In. The rear tires are stolen while the young couple makes out in the car, leaving them stranded. Crabs sees that the thieves are cops but when he tries to report this to the manager (Peter Whitford), he is told that nothing can be done
until the feds arrive. A new day dawns. Crabs looks around the bleak drive-in across acres of cars occupied by hundreds of punkish teenagers.
One of the least fanciful and most interesting futuristic films of recent years, DEAD-END DRIVE-IN is reminiscent of the original MAD MAX, and like that film it is a testament to the availability of cheap junked used cars and completely insane Australian stuntmen. Production values are high, and
the performances are all good. The film does lag in some parts but generally works quite well, and the finale, climaxed by one of the most spectacular stunts ever attempted, is satisfyingly cathartic. leave a comment