Opening with text on the screen, various historical moments are introduced. Starting in Sydney on January 26th, 1988, the Bicentennial celebration sparked “The Rocks Riot”, and fifty-one people died. Following the Rocks Riot, Mururoa Atoll was destroyed by a nuclear accident on December 3rd, 1988. Making matters worse, Pacific fishing grounds became polluted and in Cape Town, on April 1st, 1989, one hundred thousand people died. After all gold and diamond exports cease, more disasters are followed by a second Wall Street crash on June 10th, 1990. World economic crises spread, and inflation, shortages, unemployment, and crime waves all drastically impact citizens. With no other choice, the government invokes emergency powers, and the world is no longer as we once knew it. The future is here; the year is 1995.
After the film’s opening, we meet Jimmy, also known as Crabs (Ned Manning). Jimmy is very active and takes pride in his health and fitness. He drives a big van for his various jobs. When he takes his girlfriend Carmen (Natalie McCurry) out on a date, he borrows his brother’s prized red Chevy to make the date memorable. They go to the local Star drive-in, where Jimmy tries to get discounted tickets by telling the cashier they are both unemployed. Crabs hoped for a romantic evening, but their plans go awry when the police mysteriously remove two wheels from his Chevy, preventing Crabs and Carmen from leaving. The next morning, the pair realise they are trapped at the drive-in. Given the current laws, the pair cannot just walk out of there as people are not allowed to walk on roads; plus, there is a bigger problem- electric fences and a large gate surround them. Now, Crabs and Carmen must figure out how to beat the system and escape the strange community, or they will be trapped in this prison-like campus forever.
Dead End Drive-In is a movie that combines several genres, including action, sci-fi, thriller, and some horror elements. It’s directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith, who has previously worked on films such as Turkey Shoot, Stunt Rock, and The Man from Hong Kong. Like his past films, Dead End Drive-In delivers an entertaining, imaginative, fun, futuristic film experience.
You might be disappointed if you’re anticipating a movie with a lot of fast car action. Most of the film focuses on Crabs’ efforts to escape by using his intelligence to navigate and gather information about the Drive-in and its secret operations and long-term plans. However, the film does have an intense climax with thrilling action stunts, although it takes some time and patience to reach that point. The film’s atmosphere is terrific, as watching Crabs explore a Drive-in in a Mad Max-like world feels unique, creative, and fresh. Additionally, Crabs interacts with various exciting characters who are eccentric, odd or dangerous. The futuristic costumes in this setting are impressive.
Overall, if you’re a fan of movies like Mad Max and Escape from New York, you’ll have a good time watching Dead End Drive-In. The setting of the run-down Drive-in and the community living there is superb. The atmosphere with trashed cars and diverse characters provides a visually exciting experience. However, you may be surprised if you are looking for non-stop action. The film’s climax does deliver some moments of excitement and thrilling action. Still, it requires patience as the lead character thoroughly investigates his new prison-like environment before daring his final escape. Once again, director Brian Trenchard-Smith introduces a fresh and entertaining concept with this Ozploitation film.
Dead End Drive-In is Now Available on 4K UHD thanks to Umbrella Entertainment.
6.4/10
11th August 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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