Mad Max: Fury Road Review

Rating: 10/10 (8 September 2015)

What a thrill-ride this film is. What an elderly lady said behind me - as I was leaving the cinema - perfectly summed up the intensity and raw power of this accomplished blockbuster; "I felt like I was shaken around for two hours straight!". That is the broadest way to put Mad Max: Fury Road. I was extremely excited for Fury Road considering I am a massive fan of the Mel Gibson Trilogy, yet, even going into the cinema with the highest of expectations, this movie did not disappoint. What I loved about it most was not the action and gore and explosions, but the underpinning themes that tie this masterpiece together in such a way, that the action and exquisite acting by Tom Hardy and most definitely Charlize Theron told most of the story. Themes of hope, home, glory, ecological breakdown and redemption shaped the action blockbuster into a more subtle post-apocalyptic action/drama - which is uncommon. I thought George Miller did a wonderful job with the cinematography - the stunning visuals and lighting. As a devoted musician as well as film-goer/critic, I became totally glued to the screen when we first witness the crescendo, loud, raw, amazing and unusual characteristics of Coma the Doof Warrior! (spoiler) If there ever is a Mad Max-like apocalypse, I want to be Coma! Overall Mad Max: Fury Road is a joy-ride of constant action, expositions, extraordinary stunt-work, amazing direction and Oscar-worthy acting (Theron deserves an Oscar nod).