Tags
2010's, Abbey Lee, Action, Charlize Theron, Courtney Eaton, George Miller, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Mad Max: Fury Road, Nicholas Hoult, Riley Keough, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Tom Hardy, Zoë Kravitz
Film Title
Mad Max: Fury Road
Director
George Miller
Starring
- Tom Hardy as Max Rockatansky
- Charlize Theron as Imperator Furiosa
- Nicholas Hoult as Nux
- Hugh Keays-Byrne as Immortan Joe
- Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as The Splendid Angharad
- Riley Keough as Capable
- Zoë Kravitz as Toast
- Abbey Lee as The Dag
- Courtney Eaton as Cheedo the Fragile
When I heard there was going to be another Mad Max movie, I was a little ambivalent as to how it would turn out. Thankfully after hearing the praise for it from almost every critic, I finally watched it and boy did it deliver in spades. Fury Road is one exhilarating spectacle of high-octane action and dystopian craziness. To say I enjoyed this movie, would be a huge understatement.
In the distant future of vast and arid wasteland where resources are scarce and humanity has descended into utter madness, we have Max. A shell of a man, his only instinct is to survive the chaos that surrounds him while dealing with haunting visions of people he was unable to save in the past. We begin with Max being captured by fanatical War Boys, who worship the tyrannical leader Immortan Joe. The grotesque Joe has a complete hold on remaining survivors and keeps them in check by depriving them of water. Max is imprisoned and is forced to be the blood donor to one of the sick War Boys known as Nux, who has been utterly brainwashed by the leader. While attempting to escape, another incident sets in motion dangerous consequences. The driver of Joe’s war rig Imperator Furiosa has had enough of the conditions and escapes with precious cargo Joe’s harem of wives; Angharad, Capable, Toast, The Dag and Cheedo. These girls have been enslaved by the cult leader and used so he can produce an heir. When Joe sees what Furiosa has done, he sends out his armed men on a high-speed chase through the deserts. Max is strapped to the front of one of the trucks and manages to survive the carnage that awaits. Teaming with the fierce Furiosa, he helps her in her quest to reach the land where she was born in hopes of safety and redemption. It won’t be easy with two tons of heavily armed disciples tracing them and attacking, but Max and Furiosa muster their strength to fight back and survive in this time of hopelessness.
Right from the start George Miller brings his expertise to the forefront and bring electrifying life to Fury Road. As the original director of the movies, he has lost none of his touch when it comes to delivering pulse-pounding action and explosive set pieces. From a chase through a violent sandstorm that engulfs everything in its path to the vast arsenal of vehicles and weapons used, he just brings such style to it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a movie with so much action that just leaves your heart pounding and your knuckles white. For a film that runs for two hours, it sure doesn’t feel like it because of the sheer intensity of the movie. The whole visuals are outstanding, with the burnt oranges of the desert and the swirling dust showing us the destruction of humanity and the billowing white worn by the Wives as they flee their imprisonment creating a strikingly angelic impact against this unforgiving land. The sonic elements of this flick deserve so much credit. When watching this, you can hear everything amplified for maximum impact. The gears crunching, the bones breaking and the shrieks of madness, they’re all here and just arrest you from start to finish. And not forgetting the score, which resonates with epic drama and furious action. Mad Max: Fury Road isn’t just a film, it’s a reverberating and action packed event.
Stepping into Mel Gibson’s shoes must have been an extremely daunting task for Tom Hardy. Yet he brings the right strength to the role and nails the laconic demeanor of the character. Hardy has always been a physical actor and here it works excellently as with little dialogue, he conveys the primal need to survive in an extraordinary situation. But I must say that as effective as Hardy was in the role, Charlize Theron was the one who captured my attentions in her portrayal of Imperator Furiosa. Theron creates an intense and extremely determined character of stoic anger, responsibility and bravery. Most of this is conveyed through her eyes, which burn through the screen with steely ferocity. With her buzz cut, oil slicked across her face and a bionic arm, she really is an unforgettable creation and an asset to the movie embodied excellently by Charlize Theron. Nicholas Hoult gives insane and unstable energy to the role of Nux, the brainwashed War Boy who defies Joe and begins to help Max and the others in their attempt to survive. With his rumbling voice and physical presence, Hugh Keays-Byrne makes Immortan Joe a despicable and utterly grotesque villain. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley plays Angharad, Joe’s favourite of his wives who is heavily pregnant and while she isn’t the most competent actress, she brings a definite spark of innocence to the part. Riley Keough and Zoë Kravitz are also good as two of the escaped wives. Abbey Lee stands out the most among the quintet with her large eyes and grim sense of humour undercutting the danger all of them are involved in. Courtney Eaton rounds out the wives as Cheedo, the youngest of the girls.
Brutal, bloody and rip-roaring in the extreme, Mad Max: Fury Road is one of the best experiences I’ve had in the cinema for a long time and one that is impossible to forget.
dohabitation said:
Superb review mate and absolutely spot on! Reminded me of crank the Jason statham film from a while back. Utterly bonkers and I was wary being a fan of the originals but it was great mindless fun. Loved the guitarist in the immortans entourage as well, that was so random!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, that guitarist was so good and just epitomised the craziness of the film.
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dohabitation said:
I was hoping he might randomly start an epic solo from freebird or sultans of swing but it wasn’t to be!
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vinnieh said:
That would have been super cool.
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fernandorafael said:
Great review. Seeing this one today. Can’t wait!
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vinnieh said:
I hope you enjoy it Fernando, I’m sure you will.
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fernandorafael said:
Aaaah! So excited!
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vinnieh said:
You’re in for a thrill ride.
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Jordan Dodd said:
Great write up dude! I especially liked your comments on the angelic look of the wives in comparison to the desert. I also thought this was very much Theron’s movie. And I’m with you on Nick Hoult’s performance, he was so intense and insane!! And funny too.
“hook it up to that thing!”
“you mean the tree”
“yeah! hook it up to that tree thing!”
Ha! That cracked me up. Glad you enjoyed it mate! Must be a great way to come home after a holiday eh?
Good stuff
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vinnieh said:
Thanks dude. The Wives just looked so angelic and almost childlike in those billowing outfits. “What a Day, What a Lovely Day”, loved that line so much.
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Jordan Dodd said:
Hehehe I loved that line too. It was up the top of the Australian poster “WHAT A LOVELY DAY”
Great, thoughtful write-up man. Heh, I wish my review of it was as cohesive as this! hehe
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vinnieh said:
It was a killer line, hehe. I enjoyed your review, it was very concise and to the point.
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Jordan Dodd said:
I wrote it as soon as I got home from the cinema. I was so blown away I couldn’t think of anything intelligent to say!! Reading other reviews now I kinda feel a little self-conscious about it… but I know that is just me overthinking shit like usual.
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vinnieh said:
I wrote mine as soon as I got back, I was just too excited to leave the thoughts racing around my head.
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Jordan Dodd said:
Haha same here! What a ride, I want to go see it again soon! Some of those stunts…. woah!!! And Miller apparently refused to use CGI only if he simply HAD to. 80% of it is non-CGI apparently.
My favourite bit was the 12-string guitarist on top of a monster truck with a wall of speakers behind him. Ha!!!
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vinnieh said:
That guitarist was so good and as you said, I really want to see this again now.
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Jordan Dodd said:
Just so absurdly over the top but in the best way possible!!
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vinnieh said:
Definitely was.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Absolutely phenomenal review Vinnie! I wish I didn’t have to wait until this came out on DVD.😕
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vinnieh said:
Appreciate it Kim, it’s one electrifying experience.
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beetleypete said:
Well, you already know that I am going to ask WHY? So, you answer that question. Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, all good then. Well maybe not, because I will still wait for a TV showing, as I didn’t even think the original was that great!
Sorry to be a ‘dissenting’ voice V. I am really pleased that you enjoyed it mate.
Regards from ‘GrumpyLand’. Pete.
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vinnieh said:
Don’t worry Pete, and you’re not grumpy. You’re entitled to your opinion.
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boxofficebuzzab said:
Great review! Wasn’t too excited about this one originally, but I walked away loving it. It’s a fun ride with great special effects, action, plot and acting.
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vinnieh said:
Such a white knuckle ride that leaves you breathless at the sheer amount of action on show.
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Laura said:
Yes! Saw this tonight, so glad I made it to the big screen.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Laura, definitely a movie that needs the big screen treatment.
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Laura said:
Yes! You’re really not wrong. So glad I made it to the cinema, haven’t been for ages. The last thing I wanted to see was Ex Machina and I missed it.
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gregl85 said:
I loved every minute of it. So much so that I’m going to see it again at the weekend!
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vinnieh said:
Excellent, I really wanna see it again.
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emmakwall said:
Absolutely FANTASTIC review Vinnie. I think my favourite I’ve read so far 🙂
(and it’s made me want to watch it more than any other!)
You really captured the feel of the film, the excitement and the characters – I seriously wanna see this now!! More than before!!!!!! GREAT review brother!
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vinnieh said:
I’m blushing here Emma. Thank you so much, I really mean that. This comment has made my day.
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emmakwall said:
Good! It’s all true. Honestly!! Reading your review gave me a clear image of the film – without giving anything away – and it really, really, really made me want to watch it sooner, rather than later! It felt exciting just reading the review 🙂
You always write excellent reviews Vinnie, you’re a very talented writer.
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vinnieh said:
You always make me feel so appreciated Emma.
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emmakwall said:
Good! You’re one of the most wonderful bloggers I’m friends with 🙂
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vinnieh said:
I feel the same about you.
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emmakwall said:
Aww, thanks Vinster! #friendsforever
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vinnieh said:
#Friendsforever.
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emmakwall said:
#andeverandeverandever!
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abbiosbiston said:
Such excellent, crazy carnage. I think Tom Hardy should focus on low dialogue roles from now on.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Abbi, crazy carnage indeed. I’ve always felt that Hardy is great in roles with minimal dialogue, he has a physical presence that often says what words can’t.
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Mr Rumsey said:
Nice review buddy, I cannot wait to see this one!
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vinnieh said:
I’m certain that you’re going to love it.
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Mr Rumsey said:
Excellent!
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theipc said:
Great review, bossman! This movie was the tits!!! I’m glad you didn’t mention any donkey dongs!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Eric, this movie was just so epic. Really want to see it again.
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theipc said:
I DEFINITELY need to go see it in the theater again!
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vinnieh said:
Me too, a film like this needs the full effect of the cinema screen.
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theipc said:
YEP!
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vinnieh said:
When I saw it, the cinema was just booming with amplified sound and I felt like I was in the movie.
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theipc said:
Yes sir – IMAX is the way to go with this one!
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sweetarchive said:
Gosh, Vinnie, I missed you fabulous writing! I heard this movie’s brilliantly done, and it sounds like I should friggin hurry up and watch it! I live Mad Max: Beyond Thunder Dome, and I believe Furt Road will currently takes the lead. Awesome review as always!!!!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks I’m back now for a long time, just needed a vacation.
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sweetarchive said:
*love
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Mark Hobin said:
What a great ride! I enjoyed it too.
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vinnieh said:
It was one hell of a ride Mark.
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Nachthawk said:
excellent write upand review… thx 4 sharing
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment.
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Cavershamragu said:
Sounds great Vinnieh – looking forward to this – thanks chum.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, it’s an explosive hell for leather movie that is such an exhilarating experience.
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Cavershamragu said:
The second pone is the Max movie I remember best, but I haven’t seen it since it came out …
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vinnieh said:
I’m watching the movies again and can’t wait for the second one.
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Tim The Film Guy said:
Great review. Who would have thought this would have been this good?
Just fun bombastic film from start to finish 😀
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Tim, this was just an immense film on every level.
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Hypersonic55 said:
Cool review man, I’d say I agree with you for the most part. I watched Mad Max 1 & 2 before going to see Fury Road and I’m glad that I did as I feel like those who have seen what came before this one would have a better appreciation for this latest entry (not that those older films are a mandatory watch though). This film felt like The Road Warrior spiritual successor except on steroids with a modern cinematic style. From a visual and technical standpoint this film is insanely impressive, what George Miller was able to do with all these crazy action sequences, practical effects and style is SO good and beautiful. For me though I wouldn’t say it is the perfect film like loads of people suggested, but it is bloody cool and I would recommend it to everyone.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting man.
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reviewedbymarkleonard said:
Nice job, Vinnie! ML
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Mark, this movie was just a thrill ride of epicness from beginning to end.
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Niall McArdle said:
Great review of what is going to be remembered as a truly classic film. The best fun I’ve had at a cinema in years … actually, in decades.
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vinnieh said:
Hi Niall, great to hear from you. It was definitely some of the best fun I’ve ever had in a cinema.
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mlbradford said:
Class post, sir!
Great movie, glad it turned out to blow everyone away, but isn’t it odd that th central figureseems more like a supporting role?! George should have called it Furiosa Rd! Hell, even th Doof Warrior had more killa scenes than Max!
Cheers!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting, Furiosa did indeed take the centre stage.
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shazza91321 said:
Ok so I guess I’m going to have to watch this one too.
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vinnieh said:
Believe me, this movie is worth it.
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Anastasia said:
TOTALLY agree with your review! They did such a fantastic job with this!
It was kind o funny for me how people were going mad about Furiosa 😀 Charlize Theron is gorgeous yes but she’s still bald and missing her second arm…but hey she could drive very well!
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vinnieh said:
One of my favourite movies of last year, so amazing. All that action was superb.
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thoughtsallsorts said:
I’m so with you on “Brutal, bloody and rip-roaring in the extreme, Mad Max: Fury Road is one of the best experiences I’ve had in the cinema for a long time and one that is impossible to forget.” I was in a dazed-high for days afterwards. Was awesome! Sorry…IS awesome.
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vinnieh said:
It was one of the mlet exciting cinematic experiences I’ve had.
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John Charet said:
Great post 🙂 I absolutely loved Mad Max: Fury Road. I saw it four times in the theaters and it still ranks for me as one of the most exciting experiences I had at the movies during 2015 🙂 I own the film and I still get that same thrill I had when I saw it at the theaters 🙂 Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂
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vinnieh said:
This flick was a real spectacle that left me breathless.
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