Mad Max: Fury Road

Starring: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Zoe Kravitz, Megan Gale (Rated MA – 120 min).

Blood is spilt as the last of the V8 interceptors roars across the sand again but we are way beyond thunderdome here.

Over three years during a troubled production not including a decade of false starts, fans of the original iconic trilogy need not be worried about British actor Tom Hardy slipping into the leather jacket of former highway cop turned apocalyptic survivor Max Rockatansky. An action assault of the senses, the kinetic experience is essentially a two hour high voltage chase with breathtaking stunts, rapid filming techniques and constant bruising fights.

During a sullen early voiceover from Max, a dystopian future epidemic is revealed that gas and water remain the only motivations as one of the living.  Problems arise when captured and used as a human self serving blood-bank by disfigured Immortan Joe and his hyperactive henchman. Unknown to most, a bald Charlize Theron as warrior Furiosa goes rogue and helps the five beautiful wives known as breeders, flee the madman Joe. Furiosa’s escape with these angelic woman including his favourite (supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley) who happens to be heavily pregnant across the desolate wasteland to a supposed Green Place, is only the start of the mayhem.

Max and Charlize prove to be a formidable duo of few words. The pounding orchestral score raises the excitement levels including a loaded up truck with chained musicians banging drums and playing a flame thrower guitar. Territorial chaos amongst an array of weird settlements heightens risk or further explosive scenes, this is classic Max for the modern cinema.

Bold practical effects, as opposed to overdoing computer illusions, is the staple of the Mad Max saga, as is the unforgettable imagery from cinematographer John Seale. A modern action gem.

Shane A. Bassett

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