Mad Max: Fury Road
Director: George Miller
Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Josh Helman, Zoe Kravitz.
Rated R for intense sequences of violence throughout, and for disturbing images.
Guarantee: you won't find a more insane thrill ride at the movies this year. Maybe I'm being presumptuous, but I feel comfortable in my declaration. Director George Miller returns to the action franchise that put him on the map more than 30 years ago, and what he delivers is a pure adrenaline rush with chaotic stunts and thrilling visuals.
Fury Road takes place somewhere between The Road Warrior and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. Max (Tom Hardy) finds himself prisoner to a wild cult of fanatics who use him for his blood. Their leader, Immortan Joe, maintains his power through control of their greatest resource: water. Soon, Immortan Joe finds his five brides escaping his dominion with the help of his greatest warrior, Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron). A thrilling chase ensues with Max fighting for freedom, but burdened by the memory of his dead family, which inspires him to help Furiosa and the wives escape.
The Mad Max films have never been known for their complicated, layered storytelling. Nevertheless, Fury Road probably has the most detailed story of any previous film in the franchise. Even still, you're most likely in the theater to see the crazy stunts, and they are plentiful. Fury Road was filmed three years ago with Miller shooting hundreds of hours of footage. No wonder post-production took so long having to piece this madness together. Time well spent. Like The Raid 2, this is one of the best action films to come out in recent years.
Fury Road shows the power and thrill of practical effects. How Miller and his team staged these stunts is unreal, and the audience reaps the benefits. Max's character was made famous by Mel Gibson, and Tom Hardy fits the role quite well. He's a reluctant hero with little to say, but Hardy conveys so much with just a single look. He's magnetic anytime he's on screen. The real star of the film, however, is Charlize Theron. Truthfully, this is her film with the mysterious Max acting as a key piece to the puzzle. Theron is completely believable as a hardcore leader gone rogue against her master.
It may come as a surprise that in a movie aimed at men, the women are the real heroes of the story. Bravo, Miller. Sure, this is not heavy on the drama, but you'll see some of the most exciting and unbelievable stunts you've ever seen before. I found myself sweating through the final act watching the insanity unfold onscreen. For action aficionados, you can't afford to miss this in theaters.
RATING: A
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