An In-Your-Face Action Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (22 May 2015)

Imagine this: you're in a theater, but instead of simply watching a film, you're grabbed by the shoulders and violently shaken for 2 hours; THAT'S the fantastic experience of MM:FR. It's less an adrenaline rush than a direct I.V.-shot of caffeine into your bloodstream. Faster and more furious than the most recent car-based movie, it's kinetic action in the style of a fever dream. A punk-rock, post-apocalyptic nightmare that's a feast for the senses, benefiting from director Miller's visionary and fearless eye. Pure, unadulterated insanity that reminds us what it looks like when great artists try something uniquely extraordinary and succeed. Miller's main achievement is getting everyone to buy into this insanity. With the scale of a blockbuster and the soul of an indie, MM:FR is unlike anything you'll see in theatres this year. Hardy as the new Max continues the characters reactive-style heroics with just enough heart behind his crazy eyes, and all the supporting cast portray their varying levels of madness with crazed conviction. However, all of these talented performances are overshadowed by the amazing aesthetic. Through grimy, herky-jerky visuals, Miller gives us practical-effects-filled action sequences that are masterpiece level. This isn't to say there isn't something deeper going on. On top of being of a feminist manifesto, a study of religious extremism, and an argument that capitalism leads to death, it's ultimately a moving story of equality and hope that proves goodness can defeat desperation. Haven't seen the Mel Gibson originals? That's okay. Don't let the daunting task of seeing all those first keep you from one of the greatest action films in years.