Movie review: Mad Max: Fury Road

The desert wastelands remain full of crazed survivors fighting for the necessities of life in this post-apocalyptic fourth episode of the Mad Max story. Having lost his wife and child, Max wants only peace and solitude but once again is pulled into the wasteland insanity. Teaming up with Furiosa, Max and others may finally find their peace.

Tom Hardy (Max), Charlize Theron (Imperator Furiosa), Nicholas Hoult (Nux), Hugh Keays-Byrne (Immortan Joe), Josh Helman (Slit), Nathan Jones (Rictus Erectus), Zoe Kravitz (Toast the Knowing), Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (Angharad), Riley Keough (Capable), Abbey Lee (Dag), Courtney Eaton (Cheedo).

Rather than a reboot, Mad Max: Fury Road is a continuation of the Mad Max saga started so many years ago. The film finds Max still in the wasteland which is still populated by insane post-apocalyptic survivors fueled by gasoline and the need to survive. Of course, it doesn't take long before Max is pulled back into the insanity. Teaming up with Furiousa, who is fighting to find her version of Eden along with a few indentured women, Max may finally find some peace as well.

Acting was pretty good in this one with Hardy doing a decent job. But, he is no Mel Gibson. Theron was an interesting choice and did well with her role. Hoult was enjoyable adding dimension to things. Byrne was a perfect choice for his part and did nicely. The remainder of the cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets and backgrounds were simply awesome in this film. Without question there is extensive CGI in the film but it is extremely well done adding nice depth and detail. Costuming was also very nicely done with the representation of Immortan Joe being exceptional. Automobiles used in the film were also very creative showing a lot of imagination. Dialogue was a bit flat in spots but pretty good. Sound and soundtrack were solid.

Mad Max: Fury Road is a nice addition to the franchise after all this time. Purists comparing this to the original films will probably complain about the plot which is thin and used purely to fuel the action. I felt the film actually did a decent job of focusing on the intent of the original; gasoline fueled post-apocalyptic insanity.

With plenty of violence and disturbing images, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 11.16.15
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy, Sci-Fi Action & Adventure, Post-apocalyptic films, Action & Adventure, Action Sci-Fi

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel