Movie Review: Mad Max Fury Road (+trailer)

Mad Max Fury Road is fantastic fun.

This outrageous film is both mad and max. Mad in its relentless and vicious delivery; max as in always turned up to 10.

While this pace initially was jarring, it became clear that this was a movie to simply be enjoyed for its frenetic action and sheer disbelief.

You simply take in what is presented. Don't try to figure it out, just go with it.

The film's motives are uncovered through the bold and exhilarating action, rather than through sustained dialogue.

The core characters are introduced with little fanfare, and resemble something from an 80s' metal album, crossed with post-apocalyptic steampunk.

You do get the very distinct idea that healthcare provision has declined somewhat in this dystopian future.

The defining character, though, is the barren and unforgiving landscape which provides the purpose and drive for the movie.

Although some of the human characters are difficult to connect with and understand, the vast expanse of the desert is a hammering constant that supports the relentlessness of the action and harsh realities of the film's themes.

The term "sandpunk" is incredibly appropriate.

The visuals are divine, and the gorgeous aesthetic is somewhat reminiscent of Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal, complete with landstalkers and Skeksis, riding on motorcycles. With grenades. And miniguns.

The soundtrack is fantastic, and the stand-out supporting character has to be the insane flame-throwing guitarist, chained to the front of an eight-wheel juggernaut, complete with enormous resonating drums. Fantastic.

Mad Max: Fury Road
(R16), 120 minutes
Rating: 4/5