The best possible revival

Rating: 8/10 (15 May 2015)

A lot can happen in 30 years. The world of 2015 is a vastly different one from what was the reality of 1985 when the last Mad Max was released, let alone 1979 when the first one first hit theaters down under. During that time, came a noticeable change in what film audiences expect in front of their screen. While the 1980s was arguably the peak of action packed films (The early 90s being a top contender), the movie going public today is much more comfortable with zany comedies or drama. The constant bombing (no pun intended) of action film after action film at the box office gives only further evidence. Of course there are exceptions to this and one could point at super hero films but that is quickly becoming a genre in itself. But pure action, is nowhere near it's peak.
So in this new world, three decades later, how does Mad Max speak to the public? That's where Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult lead by George Miller come in.
Just as our heroes are in constant movement away from Immortan Joe, the movie never stops going. There is not a second wasted during the two hour run time. No filler or throwaway scenes, everything is part of the story. Even when there is no dialog, there is narration be it in the form of a gaze, deep breath or fight. Miller, who returns to the franchise that made him famous, proves to be just as much a visionary at 70 that he was at 35 giving us remarkable direction that uses the talents of the cast to it's fullest potential.
For all the non-stop action that this film carries, the characters are never over looked. Hardy is proving himself a highly versatile player who can believable adapt himself to what the story requires of him just as Hoult fully embraces his role as Nux while Theron as Furiosa keeps the whole story together.
Music of course plays a fundamental part in every film and this is no exception. I have always considered Hans Zimmer the best in the game and no doubt that JXL's work with him in many other films, including The Dark Knight Rises has been a big influence. Every piece of the score accentuates the adrenaline rush that is Mad Max: Fury Road.
An adrenaline rush that will leave you questioning yourself if you really just spent two hours sitting in the theater as it was so entertaining and engaging that you will hardly notice time going by.