Written by Adam Mast
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (R)
In “Mad Max: Fury Road,” Tom Hardy takes over a role that Mel Gibson originated from 1979 to 1985, but make no mistakes, director George Miller is the real Mad Max. It’s been 30 years since the last entry in the post-apocalyptic action series, and after numerous set backs, Miller has finally brought his explosive new vision to the screen. And for those who feared that this visionary filmmaker would follow the original “Mad Max,” “The Road Warrior,” and “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” with his own “Crystal Skull,” let me put your fears to rest. He didn’t. This is easily the best action movie since “The Raid 2.”
“Fury Road” is pure high-octane action of the highest caliber. The characters are revealed through the action, making for the best kind of chase film. How does “Fury Road” compare to Miller’s past “Mad Max” entries? Quite frankly, it’s best not to compare, but like the other installments in the series, this one has a pallet all its own. While it is part of the same universe, it is a wholly unique, hyperkinetic adventure.
As “Fury Road” opens, we are introduced to Max Rockatansky, a solitary (and broken) man trapped in a stark, post-apocalyptic wasteland populated by monstrously brutal scavengers and a freaky tyrant called Immortan Joe (played by Hugh Keays-Byrne, aka, Toecutter from the original “Mad Max”). From the get go, Max is pursued and captured by a squad of Immortan Joe’s milky white henchman, and ultimately, he’s used as a human blood bank. Following a high-octane chase sequence across the desert, Max reluctantly teams with Imperator Furiosa (played by Charlize Theron), a broken woman on a most unexpected mission.
“Fury Road” is unlike a lot of other action films in that it isn’t a collection of chase sequences. No, essentially this whole movie plays like one extended chase complete with practical action sequences, incredible stunts, and blinding pyrotechnics.
Ape shit crazy!! That was the term that immediately sprung to mind as I exited “Fury Road.” And that term isn’t meant to be taken in a derogatory sense. The fact that this movie even exists is a miracle in and of itself. Kudos to Warner Brothers for throwing caution to the wind and allowing George Miller to bring his mad, balls-to-the-wall, all out bonkers vision to the screen.
Miller and crew shot “Fury Road” on location in an African desert, meaning that the entire filmmaking crew had to drag the vehicles, the cast, the hardware, and the stunt team out in to the middle of nowhere in an effort to bring this massive movie to fruition. The logistics that came with the making of “Fury Road” simply boggle the mind and that has to be taken into consideration when talking about this insane, unforgettable cinematic experience.
While “Fury Road” is predominantly a visual experience, there is a dramatic human element here as well. Yes, this is a hyperkinetic chase movie, but it’s also a story of redemption. Tom Hardy’s take on Max is a little bit different then Mel Gibson’s. This Max really has gone a little bit mad. He is so tortured by tragic memories from his past that the thought of real human interaction is almost completely foreign to him. Hardy is good here, but it should be noted that his Max almost comes across as a supporting character.
“Fury Road” is really about Charlize Theron’s Furiosa, a broken woman looking for redemption of her own. Her road to redemption revolves around the transporting of precious cargo across the smoldering wasteland. Theron is so good here, and you can feel her pain and longing for a better world every step of the way. Plus, she kicks a ton of ass in this movie. It’s refreshing to see a big, action packed summer release with a strong female character at the helm. And one with a disability, no less.
Nicholas Hoult also turns in an outstanding performance as Nux, a misguided man who discovers that maybe there is a real purpose in what he believes to be a seemingly meaningless life. In a movie full of unforgettable action, Theron and Hoult emerge as the heart and soul of “Fury Road.”
At the end of the day, though, this is the George Miller show. At 70 years old, this visionary has fashioned an explosive, poetic, high energy epic that any hot shot director half his age could only dream of making. The set pieces in this picture have to be seen to be believed. In fact, I’m still reeling from the experience. “Fury Road” really does fire on all cylinders. The direction, the cinematography, the score, the stunt work, the performances, etc. This is a truly immersive motion picture experience, and if you love adrenalin pumping action, you’re in for one hell of a ride.
