Die Historic on the Fury Road

Movie: Mad Max Fury Road

Actor From Previous Movie: Tom Hardy (Kray Twins, Max Rockatansky)

Where to Watch: HBO Go

Mad Max, the Little Action Movie That Could. Not to say that Mad Max is particularly small film, with it's budget of 150 million. But I consider it small in the world of Critically Acclaimed movies. Being an action movie, it had many obstacles to overcome in the eyes of critics. And it succeeded! In fact, it succeeded so well that it took home the most Academy Awards of any movie this year!

Does Mad Max live up to the hype? I think so. Where Mad Max elevates itself from good to great is in the details. The production design is phenomenal. From the various cars designed for specific characters, to the weapons, to the costumes, to the set design, the filmmakers have created a complete world. Post-apocalyptic carries with it an excuse for mediocrity; most movies might do minimalism and grime. Mad Max instead goes for bright, beautiful landscapes and exciting diesel-punk machines. I have a soft spot for movies that are visually appealing, and Mad Max is one of the best looking movies I have ever seen.

Mad Max: Center Framed from Vashi Nedomansky on Vimeo.

Many people criticize the movie for not having a plot, but I would argue it has a stronger plot than most action movies, mostly because it doesn't try to over-complicate anything. It may be a 2 hour car chase, but it's a 2 hour car chase with a story and a message. And of course, I'm impressed by such a female-centric story that, at its core, is about a group of women fighting for their freedom. A great article for further explanation of this idea, and how this idea was found throughout cinema this year, can be found here.

It’s no secret that I love Mad Max. It holds the record for most times I’ve seen a movie in theaters (5), and I even dressed as one of the wives for Comic Con. I think it was easily one of the best movies of 2015. Unlike most “good” movies, it’s action-packed and fun! Every time I saw the movie, I left the theater wide-eyed and totally enthralled. Whether you like drama, action, or even a little romance, there’s something in it for you. I strongly recommend it!

Bechdel Assessment: Pass! Furiosa, the wives, and the elder women talk about many things throughout the movie including the history of their world, The Green Place, their captivity, and their vehicles.