Libramedi Intense, gripping, stylish and poignant

Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

Contentar Best movie of this year hands down!

Brendon Jones It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Michael_Elliott Dead-End Drive In (1986) ** (out of 4) Australian cult film takes place in the (then) future as crime, unemployment and various other issues have taken over everywhere. A variety of punks, criminals and lowlifes end up pulling into a drive in to enjoy a movie but little do they know that they'll be trapped there due to it being turned into what's basically a prison camp. DEAD-END DRIVE IN comes with a great title, an interesting concept and a likable lead but unfortunately there's very little else working in the picture. I'm not sure what the budget of this thing was but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that had it featured a bigger budget then perhaps they could have done more with it. As it stands, the film is simply interesting on a few levels but not enough to make it a complete winner or really worth watching unless you're a fan of Australian cinema. The main plot deals with a couple (Ned Manning, Natalie McCurry) entering the drive-in and getting trapped. While Manning wants to find a way out, it seems everyone else is happy with the worthless situation. The biggest problem with the movie is the simple fact that there's really not too much that happens. I'm sure having the setting in one placed helped the budget but there's just not enough going on inside the walls to make it interesting. We see the different types clash, we see Manning wanting to escape and every once in a while we'll get some exploitation in terms of nudity and silly violence but that's it. There's really no way to connect to any of the characters and it's really impossible to care about what happens to them. I thought Manning did a pretty good job in the lead role and he certainly helped keep the film moving. Director Brian Trenchard-Smith handles the material quite well but I'm sure he wishes he had a bit more money. What money was available seemed to go towards one terrific stunt at the very end of the picture, which almost made the entire film worth sitting through.

ghumph12 You'all, Yes it was a kind of silly movie...but I was in it!!! I was Shirl the Girl,dispensing contraception in the toilet block. Hey, we had such a hoot making this movie. The explosion scenes were fabulous and the people I worked with were great. My family hasn't seen the film (husband and kids) because I've always been embarrassed by it...but so many people found it so much fun so in that way it was a success albeit cultish. I think I'll try to pick it up on e-bay and try to watch it again after all these years. Thanks to all you international folk for being so adventurous and watching such an obscure flick!!!Nikki McWatters P.S All I remember about Brian Trenchard-Smith was that he kept talking about another actress who he thought was destined for big things - Nicole Kidman! So I guess he had an eye for talent!

Byron Levene I thank Toddy and Dr Gillard for referring this film to me. It is one of the best comments on Australian society in feature film format. not only does the film depict Australia for what it is--A RACIST CORRUPT PRISON ISLAND, represented by the drive in. I also found it to be a profound comment on the class structure and police/government corruption. I did however find it sad to see many old Falcons in states of disrepair, and what did they do to that charger in the beginning???, such a waste of car. I loved this movie, it also had one of the biggest explosions I've ever seen in an Australian feature film. all thou the film was made in 1986 it still has the same (if not more) potency now days under the Howard REGEME. this is another Peter Carey CLASSIC. rent it if you can find it!.

Drive-In-Freak This one has it all.There's violence,sex,car chases,explosions,cheezy '80s music,a '56 Chevy,and most importantly a drive-in! In a futuristic 1990 the government is keeping the unemployed youth locked up in a drive-in and giving them snack bar food,drugs,beer,and all night movies for free.Where do I sign up? Yes it's a bit silly at times,and the premise is unbelievable,but after all it's a "B" film.You just can't expect perfection in films like these,and I (for one) wouldn't have it any other way.There's nothing like stepping back to a simpler time and place.This fine little independent film from Down Under is just like taking a mini vacation in the way back machine.Pop this one in the DVD break out the popcorn and a cold Fosters and enjoy this blast from the past....8)8/10 on the Drive-in-Freak-O-Meter...ya just gotta check this out!