Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga stands on its own two feet while exhibiting all the hallmarks of George Miller film. Does someone have to be a mega fan of the Mad Max saga to enjoy this installment, not really. Miller’s style is not only visceral but extremely visual as well. The director also employs a very linear approach to storytelling. There’s nothing confusing how are story starts which allows audiences to buy in almost immediately. It’s very much black and white (here’s the bad guys … here’s the good guy) let’s move forward.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga centers around the origin on Furiosa and how she went from a child desperately trying to survive what was the end of the world to the cold calculated individual we were introduced to in Mad Max: Fury Road. Miller doesn’t waste time weaving in flash forwards ore reminders of who this character is and relies more on the audience’s schema. Miller made the right call because now one is going to this film no knowing who Furiosa is. Anna Taylor Joy faced the toughest challenge out of the entire cast of taking on a role Charlize Theron originated. Most actors would have fallen victim to trying to emulate some of Theron’s mannerisms, but the actress avoids that entirely. I did pick up on a tilt of the head and a particular she took at times, but she made the role her own.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the film was Chris Hemsworth’s portrayal of Dementus. I just got the since that Hemsworth relished being the villain in the film (I guess years of playing the god of thunder will weigh on a person). If I’m being honest, I didn’t get the casting at the time it was announced but he is by far the best part of this film and delivers many bat shit one liners which had the theater laughing. The perfect movie to turn your mind off and just enjoy the theatrical experience. With the mixture of action, sound design, and fantastic special effects, this release is one that shouldn’t be missed.
Dewey Singleton has been reviewing new releases in television and film for many years. Dewey's reviews have been heard in multiple markets (Houston Atlanta, Tampa). Dewey's past work has been with awardswatch.com, awardsradar.com, and bleeding cool. Dewey is a proud member of the CCA.