The film of the summer even though it's only just begun

Rating: 10/10 (18 May 2015)

In a post apocalyptic world, Mad Max (Tom Hardy) helps Imperator Furiosa get 5 young women selected for breeding away from a brutal army, one of many settlements following the overall collapse of civilisation. Although this is my first Mad Max film that hasn't damaged my enjoyment of the film at all. Described as a 2 hour chase sequence, that it is, but it's a lot more than that. It may be a stunning, sensationally made action film with more destructive force than an armoured tank blasting through a power station and boast dazzling stunts, jaw dropping cinematography and break taking, bone rattling visceral thrills, but thankfully there is also a soul. While the film is called Mad Max Fury Road, the film belongs to Charlize Theron. Her strong, well rounded Furiosa is the main character in many ways, and the other female characters are strong as well. Tom Hardy is typically excellent, though fairly silent, as Max while Nicholas Hoult puts in a gleefully nutty performance as a villain who the film also gives an interesting story arc.
On a visual level the film is impeccable and George Miller thankfully doesn't resort to shaky cam. The stunts are daring, the stakes are high, the explosions are beautiful and each set piece gets bigger and better than the last. The tension continues building right until the end, so in terms of thrills MMFR pulls out all the stops. The film creates a compelling cinematic world with many fascinating details, mind blowing production design and a glorious sense of insanity. Thanks to the films focus on character and story as well as action, one becomes emotionally wrapped up in the storyline and occasionally the film is even genuinely moving. For sure one to see on the big screen, MMFR is a grand tapestry of explosions, high octane thrills, humanity and post apocalyptic heaven which doesn't waste a dollar of its $150 million budget. Let's hope George Miller makes those 3 sequels Tom Hardy is signed on for as soon as possible. It'll be difficult to live up to this though.
10/10