Ever since the first sneak peak dropped at San Diego Comic Con last year, this film has been in my top 3 most anticipated films of 2015, along with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and "Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron", and after months of anticipation, I can proudly say that it exceeded all of my expectations. Not since 2008's "The Dark Knight" have I seen a film that instantly grabs you from the opening scene until the very end.
"Mad Max: Fury Road" is the 4th film in the famous "Mad Max" franchise, starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron with George Miller, who has directed the previous films, returning to direct. The story follows "Mad" Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy), previous played by Mel Gibson, who finds Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) on a mission to return to her homeland while running away from an angry God-like figure, Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne). The action-packed plot is extremely easy to follow, which is one of the film's biggest strengths. Even if you have never seen a "Mad Max" film, you can get sucked into the world that George Miller has created and understand all the character motivations very quickly. And unlike most post apocalyptic stories, there is something so tangible about this world that makes you feel like this abandoned Wasteland is real, which helps us as the audience get pulled into the action and character moments in the film.
Tom Hardy as "Mad" Max Rockatansky is spectacular and is definitely on par with Gibon's original portrayal of the character. He is the vulnerable hero that will stand up and fight, no matter how much he is pummeled to the ground, which makes his struggles in the film so relatable. Throughout the film, I was reminded of the many iconic scenes in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" with Indiana Jones constantly in peril as the audiences' grip on their armrest's tightens, but when Indy finally gets back up on his feet, the audience cheers with delight. The experience I had seeing the film in IMAX 3D was exactly that. We cheered every time Max looked danger in the eye and spat in its face. As an American, I don't know whether or not his Australian accent is done well but I loved the voice he chose for the role. Although he says only a few lines of dialogue, he is able to emote so much just by his facial expressions and his actions. I hope to see Tom Hardy as Max again in the possible sequels to "Fury Road".
You could make the argument that Furiosa, not Max, is the main star of "Fury Road" and I wouldn't disagree you with. Charlize Theron as Furiosa is fierce, strong-willed, emotional and is one of, if not the most, interesting character in the film. Her mission to save Immortan Joe's Five Wives and to reach her homeland was the center piece of the film and Theron's star power really does shine here. She carries the entire weight of the film on her shoulders and Max is along for the ride. This may be too early to call but I would say that Furiosa is the best female heroine in cinema since Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley of the "Alien" franchise. She is equally as strong and emotionally damaged as Max and is someone who could stand toe-to-toe with him, which makes their dynamic in the film all the more interesting. Although Hardy is incredible as Max, Theron steals the show every time she is on screen with her imposing presence and badass persona.
The supporting cast in the film is also great across the board. Immortan Joe as the villain was menacing and posed a major threat against Max and Furiosa. Unlike many modern day action-movie villains, his motivations for chasing down the main protagonists were perfectly clear and easy to understand. Hugh Keays-Byrne, who plays Immortan Joe in "Fury Road", actually played the main villain in the first "Mad Max" in 1979, so his return to the franchise was a welcomed nod to the fans of the series. Nicholas Hoult plays one of Immortan Joe's many brainwashed minions with Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Riley Keough, Zoë Kravitz, Abbey Lee, and Courtney Eaton playing Immortan Joe's Five Wives (or breeders as they say in the film). The whole cast really does amplify the film to another level and brings a whole new layer to the "Mad Max" franchise we haven't seen before. Everyone brings their A-game in "Fury Road" and it shows beautifully.
Along with interesting characters and plotlines, the film showcases breathtaking action sequences that are just unbelievable to watch. But what is even more unbelievable is that most of these crazy stunts and car chases were done using practical effects. The only scene with heavy use of CGI was during a sandstorm chase sequence, but there really was no other way of doing that scene than using visual effects. Miller had the vision of doing as much practical effects as he could in the film and it worked brilliantly. As a moviegoer, I couldn't tell what was practical and what was digital (aside from the sandstorm sequence), which made the car chases and stunts all the more thrilling. The relentless action starts from the very opening scene and does not stop until the film comes to a close but unlike most modern day action films (i.e. the "Transformers" franchise) where the action starts to get tiresome by the end, the action in "Fury Road" is always inventive, always creative and always has your attention. You become fatigued sitting in the theater, worrying about Max and Furiosa, which really helps you feel like you're fighting alongside them. The action scenes are filmed with style and flare thanks to Miller's genius and to cinematographer John Steale, who brings a beautiful color palette to the film. The vibrant explosions against the Wasteland backdrop were stunning to say the least. The most thrilling, action-packed, roller coaster ride I have ever seen.
I'd also like to address something about "Fury Road" that makes this film shine above all others that have been released in the past decade: "Mad Max: Fury Road" has a strong and intriguing cast of female characters not seen in recent Hollywood blockbusters. Women take the center stage in "Fury Road" and all of them kick ass while also having emotional baggage to carry throughout the film. In an age where female protagonists and strong female characters aren't abundant, George Miller comes in like a boxer and sucker punches Hollywood in the jaw. Fantastic work. For everyone who wants to see strong female characters back on the big screen, see "Mad Max: Fury Road".
I can't praise this film enough. It is a non-stop action thrill ride, from start to finish, that doesn't sacrifice characters or story for the adrenaline rush. I was shaking after leaving the theater. I will say, without exaggeration, that "Mad Max: Fury Road" is, not only the best film of 2015 by far, but the best action movie of the 21st century. This film is perfect in every way. Miller mixes character moments with hard hitting and grotesque action scenes that may become iconic in the years to come. What a cinematic achievement. "Mad Max: Fury Road" gets a perfect score of 10 out of 10.
Go see the film in IMAX 3D, Real-D 3D or in 2D! Do yourself a favor and not see this on your tiny computer or TV screen. It is not worth it. This is a film that HAS to be experienced in the theaters.
Buy tickets now: http://www.fandango.com/madmax:furyroad_136719/movietimes
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