Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

"If I'm gonna die, 

I'm gonna die historic on a fury road!"

It's like the film 'Waterworld'... But on land.

In a post apocalyptic world where mankind has gone totally insane, two rebels on the run may be the only ones able to restore order.

Having never seen the original 'Mad Max' films, I went into 'Mad Max: Fury Road' relatively blind to what had come before. I had been subjected to the two thousand different trailers that had been circulated in the run up to the release but, despite this, I was still reasonably excited to see what most were hailing as a modern day masterpiece. 

I am a huge fan of Tom Hardy and I knew that Charlize Theron has some serious acting chops. Admittedly I hadn't seen any films from George Miller other than 'Babe: Pig in the City' so I didn't really know what to expect...

Make no mistake, this film is wild. 

Straight from the start, you are thrown into a world of insanity, cars and violence. 

What I really enjoyed was the opening. It set the tone, the style and the pace which was exciting and exhilarating. It unapologetically hurls you into Max's world without hesitation and you have to find your feet in a world that has, ultimately, lost it's mind. 

It is fast paced, action packed and full of grit. 

There isn't much plot in 'Mad Max: Fury Road' but for the beginning you don't really care that much. There are enough fast cars and interesting concepts to keep you entertained and curious. However, this fast becomes a problem. We have a mission from a 'Grand Theft Auto' game where the characters have to protect the stolen "cargo" and outrun the bad guys who want it back. Essentially this is what the film is, no more, no less. Pretty quickly the fast pace and action become repetitive and the character development is minimal because we spend so much time on the action and spectacle. 

With a massive 120 minute run time of pure action and very little emotion or character, it starts to get a little... boring?

If the film had managed to find a balance of the fantastical action with some really great story then it would have been just unbelievable.

I was in awe of the spectacle and swept away in the excitement of the opening but I was waiting and waiting for the actual story to kick in, or at least a little more character. I'm all up for a simple premise that can deliver but with the two hour run time it just becomes a little self indulgent on George Miller's part. If it had been closer to maybe 60 minutes or even 80 then I think that it would have been a whirlwind of a movie that gets in and gets out before you even know what hit you. 

Mad Max himself is about the 4th most interesting character in the film. Max seems along for the ride for the most part with Furiosa taking the helm of this battle against the tyrant Immortan Joe, played by Hugh Keays-Byrne who, after a little research, I found out is actually in the original 'Mad Max' films. The film definitely centres more on Charlize Theron's character Imperator Furiosa, who is more developed and definitely more interesting to watch. It was refreshing to see a strong female lead who takes charge and uses her initiative in the plot, she's unfortunately alongside some other pathetically weak females but we'll let that slide. 

She kicks more ass with one hand than most men do with two!

I was interested in the idea that a world plunged into chaos would drive humanity insane. If all modern ideals and laws are thrown out of the window then the world would be in a state of chaos. Max says that in the beginning and it was interesting seeing everyone who has lost their mind in their own way. Is Max really the mad one? Or is it the world?

I thought the art department, costumes and cinematography stole the show in this one. It features some spectacular concepts with beautifully dark and apocalyptic designs that totally pull you into the world. It has depth and detail that create a world that you believe is a living and breathing thing rather than just within the confines of the run-time of the film. It doesn't have a beginning or an end, you just happen to be thrown into the world and taken out of it again. This is rare in a lot of modern films and when it's done right, it takes you away and engrosses you.

Tom Hardy is fine as Mad Max but, having never seen the original films, I felt he was a little characterless... I feel that this may have been remedied if I'd seen the original films but c'est la vie.

I revelled in the practical effects of 'Mad Max: Fury Road' and was impressed when the CGI was only used when it was absolutely necessary. The stunts you see in the film are breathtaking, especially when you know that they are actually being done in camera. It brings home the reality of the action and raises the stakes. You genuinely feel that the characters are in trouble, whether you care that they are in trouble or not is a different matter but you feel that they are in danger nonetheless. 

Therein lies the problem. There's not one point in the film where I genuinely felt a connection to the characters or cared when they were in danger. You can throw all the emotional music at a scene that you like but if you don't care for the characters then it's not going to move you.

Overall, 'Mad Max: Fury Road' is a technical achievement in filmmaking but I wouldn't say that it was a masterpiece. It's not as original as it tries to be but makes up for that in spectacular spectacle and action. 

If you are wanting two hours of non-stop action then 'Mad Max: Fury Road' is definitely the film for you. However, if you are looking for anything more then I think you'll be disappointed.

An enjoyable watch with some gritty action that will keep you entertained for the most part.