A Visually Stunning Film, A Thrill Ride

Rating: 9/10 (11 July 2017)

Remarkable for its stunning visuals, "Fury Road" is part of the Mad Max canon that started with Mel Gibson. Tom Hardy plays Max in this film, but his role is overshadowed by Charlize Theron's performance as Imperator Furiosa, a driver for a tribal warlord. She goes rogue, stealing his property and dashing through the desert, hoping to find freedom and sanctuary.
This is an action film that is nearly nonstop action. The story has twists that prolong the suspense so the chase never becomes boring.
With stylistic references to "Snowpiercer", "Star Wars", "Dune", "Star Wars" and gladiator films, "Fury Road" is basically a retooling of the classic western. Imagine the wagon train speeding for safety while being chased by the Indian war party.
The dystopian setting for the film is a brutal world where those who control the resources have all the power. Theron does a great job of portraying the tough warrior who can survive in such a world. Her physicality is totally believable and the product of months of training (undoubtedly aided by her dance training).
Hardy provides a strong performance, but the script, especially in the beginning, inhibits his ability to express himself.
The mythology of this film is pervasive and convincing. The settings, costuming, and the design elements, combined with a dramatic and impressive soundtrack, make "Fury Road" a beautifully choreographed dance of death. The editing is tremendous, deserving of the Oscar (one of six awarded to this film).