Mad Max: Fury Road

I have to assume the subtitle to the new Mad Max film -- the first in thirty years! -- has to be a knock at those Fast and the Furious movies, as if director George Miller is saying, "You think you know what fury is? Well, you don't know shit." In fact, Miller might not just be sending a message to the Fast and the Furious franchise, but to Hollywood in general. "You think you know what action film making is? Well, you don't know shit." Mad Max: Fury Road is the real deal. It's totally fucking bad ass.

You know that moment in the theater where you suddenly remember you're sitting in a theater, surrounded by people, looking up a at screen? You got so totally invested in the story and the world presented that, for a brief moment, you became more a part of that world than your own. When was the last time you felt that? I can't remember, but this film brought it back. It was epic in the true sense of the term, with larger than life characters, a gorgeous, fully realized world, and a story you actually cared about and felt some investment for. Oh, and it was also full of balls to the wall action, with what looked like real vehicles and actual stunt men. I'm all for CG because it makes films look cool and ensures safer conditions for stunt men... but nothing matches the thrill of watching real people jump on top of real moving cars.

About the story I'll say very little, because there wasn't much to say. Basically it's one long chase sequence, with good guys trying to avoid being killed by bad guys. How it ties in with the earlier Mad Max films I can't say, because the only one I ever saw was Beyond Thunderdome when it came out 30 years ago. I remember liking it, but being very confused. I've heard that Fury Road has injokes and references to the earlier films, but it felt very self-contained and satisfying as a one-off film, but I sure hope George Miller makes more, because the world of film needs it.

Anyway... just go see it.