Mad Max: Fury Road

Directed by: George Miller
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

Written by Nick McCann

100/100

For 30 years, the “Mad Max” series stood as an undeniable genre influence. Post-apocalypse narratives of all kinds and action films, in general, owe something to a franchise that is more niche than most would like to admit. That doesn’t mean we were left on a mediocre note after “Beyond Thunderdome.” Fans like myself were open to another race through the wasteland. And my, how strong it came back!

“Fury Road” rightly goes back to basics, opting for the high-octane exhilaration of “The Road Warrior” and the first film. This film grabs you by the belt, hits the gas, and never dips below 60 miles an hour! Visual storytelling reigns supreme once again, crafting a world that’s the most hyper-stylized of the series but never without the raw edge. Essentially one long chase that never gets boring, “Fury Road” makes for one of the quickest two hours you could kill without regret. There is no need for dramatic exposition or more than a few words. One frame can say a lot, and there are tons of frames.

The cast is also very strong, again conveying quite a lot without an abundance of dialog. Action is key, and every action plays into who’s doing it. This is where Tom Hardy, now taking over the title role, is a natural fit. Much like Mel Gibson before him, the range he can give with various looks is an effortless success. All the while still retaining that reluctant lone wanderer quality that aligns with the character he inhabits. Charlize Theron as Imperator Furiosa matches these qualities substantially. So much so that debates still rage on whether she’s the main character or Max. Theron displays rich nuance in her performance and never feels fake in a stunt sequence. No character feels wasted; instead, they feel fully realized in their roles. Everyone from Hugh Keays-Byrne’s fowl yet mighty Immortan Joe to the wives that the movie is kick-started over.

Those like me who felt unsatisfied with how much shit blew up in the last movie will find immense relief at all the catching up the filmmakers do here. “Fury Road” depicts flawless action; each sequence is designed beautifully, both technically and narratively. Car wrecks come one after another, and more explosions go off here than in the previous three films combined. Keeping with tradition, practical effects and stunt work are highlighted with some minor visual enhancement. The cinematography frames it all up with great cohesion, artsy color choices and editing that’s wound real tight. The production designers deserve praise for realizing such scrappy apocalypse aesthetics and every car that races on in the Wasteland. Tom Holkenberg’s music is the perfect icing on the cake, merging a big orchestra with the most unhinged metal guitar work you’d want with this chaos. And evidently, so does Immortan Joe with his Doof Warrior riding along every step of the way.

The test of time is no match for “Fury Road.” This is a high contender for the greatest action film ever made! All the high points of the previous films are jacked up to grand proportions, delivering an experience that leaves many contemporaries in the dust. Those who still haven’t managed to dive into the series can find an explosive introduction with this film. Witness greatness!

“Mad Max: Fury Road” Trailer

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