George Miller's “MAD MAX: FURY ROAD”

June 10, 2015 Dennis D. McDonald

Movie review by Dennis D. McDonald

The action sequences, stunts, music, and editing are just about perfect in this two hour long crash-bang post-apocalyptic desert-chase off-road epic.

There are interesting characters and moral themes on display here as well. We can’t help but wonder, is this violent and brutal future what the human race is destined for?

Still, this is an action movie. Unlike most “roller coaster” movies, one is left with some interesting impressions after the final credits roll. For one, Max is secondary character here. The women rule. Moral leadership comes from them. Max and another young man support them albeit in wild and outlandish ways.

There is also much brutality on display here, some of which is grotesque. Yet everything plays second fiddle to the action.

At one point I did think the constant chase was getting a bit boring, but then the story took another direction, the chase was resumed, and the stunts were amped even higher.

Somehow Miller has managed to make the characters more than characters in a comic book. He resists the temptation to throw out constant wisecracks and that is much appreciated.

Speaking of stunts, it is interesting to compare what’s on display here with a Buster Keaton movie like The General which was released on February 5, 1927. That movie involved an extended locomotive chase along with amazing stunt work that still makes one’s jaw drop.

I wonder what Keaton would think about this movie? I think he would like it. At its core MMFR is about constant action and good versus evil. Keaton, of course, was making comedy-adventure. This movie is more pure action despite the occasional quips. They just don’t have much time for humor and I don’t blame them!

Addendum: I saw this in 3D. Don’t waste your money. Not worth it. Dim and with minimal effects.

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