Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Rated R
Starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne
Directed by George Miller
The Story:
Max (Hardy) returns to the silver screen, only this time, he really sucks at driving, crashing and getting caught. He is taken prisoner but escapes in time to join Furiosa on her trek across the desert wastelands. However, Furiosa has her mind set on escaping the clutches of Immortan Joe (Byrne) and taking his young brides with her as they escape back to her lush, green homeland. Naturally, Joe isn't going to take this treachery easily, and he launches a full out assault across the desert to reclaim what is rightfully his.
I saw everyone praising this movie and remarking how wonderful it was and how they were going back to see it on the big screen multiple times when it came out.
Naturally, it's hard not to let a movie like this build itself up in your mind and ultimately be disappointed that it doesn't meet those expectations.
Therein lies my issues with Mad Max.
It was good, but nowhere near as great, for me, as everyone else I know seemed to find it this year.
The other issue I had was that apparently there was some sort of backlash against the film because it really wasn't about Mad Max, but it was about Furiosa.
Therefore, it was about a strong female lead and the star of the film actually played second fiddle to the story.
So, if you felt that way, obviously you hate women and blah blah blah blah blah...
Oh my goodness, that's about the dumbest argument that could be made right next to if you don't like the policies of a president, it's because of his color not his policies.
Sure, there's probably a percentage that felt that way, but to paint everyone with that brush is stupid.
First, of course this film was about Furiosa and her story.
What Mad Max film, besides Mad Max, has been about Max?
None of them, except the first one.
Every film since then has been about Max's journey across the desert and his helping the people he runs across to find a better life for themselves.
It's what keeps Max from truly becoming mad. In this crazy post apocalyptic world, his humanity hangs by a thread, but he still does the right thing and helps those in need.
Don't believe me, re-watch The Road Warrior or Thunderdome again. It's their story, Max is but a player in it.
Now, if you want a movie that takes place about a group of cars (elaborate, crazy designed cars no less!) racing at breakneck speeds through the ravaged desert, you look no further than George Miller.
At this point in his career, he can do that in his sleep.
The addition of a Soundtrack Car was a stroke of genius as well.
So when it's all said and done, it was a really good movie, just not a great one.
However, I'm happy to see the franchise still has some legs and that a whole new generation of fans have something to be excited about.
Final Grade: B
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