Movie Review - FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA

Many a time, the movie-going (or TV watching) public watch an EPIC saga and think - “I wonder what happened in the events leading up to this”. And, many of the time, the ensuing prequel movies (or TV shows) are lacking in quality and common sense (I’m looking at you, Star Wars, Game of Thrones and The Hunger Games).

They all could have taken tips from George Miller, for he has come up with the definitive prequel film - FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA.

Following a character introduced in 2015’s MAD MAX FURY ROAD, this film follows the titular FURIOSA (played in FURY ROAD by Charlize Theron) as she grows from young girl to adult savior in a post-apocalyptic Australia.

FURY ROAD was “gonzo” - an over-the-top action/visual fest that was going to be hard to top…and Miller has done precisely that by presenting even more over the top sequences and characters (most notably, Chris Hemsworth’s Dr. Dementus - more on him later) juxtaposed against a character (Furiosa) who is grounded in reality and is relatable to the audience.

Credit for this credibility goes to the 2 performers playing her - Anya-Taylor Joy (THE MENU) who plays the older Furiosa (though younger than the Theron Furiosa of FURY ROAD) and Alyla Brown (TRUE SPIRIT) who plays the young Furiosa. Both actresses embody the character of Furiosa with a strength and a determination that shines through their eyes as they endure…and survive…the trials and tribulations of living in a post-apocalyptic world.

And then there is the over-the-top performance of Hemsworth (Thor in THE AVENGERS films) as the main antagonist of the film. To say that Hemsworth’s performance is over-the-top is to not do justice to the phrase over-the-top. He is way-way-way-way over-the-top, but for some reason it really, really works in this film.

And, that is because Writer/Director Miller once again mines his fertile imagination to bring an unthinkable world to life with bizarre, yet human, characters who have gone feral utilizing cyber-punk vehicles and weapons in a most ingenious world go wrong.

And, of course, there are the exhilarating battle scenes and chases that are at the core of this film…and every Mad Max adventure…and these do not disappoint as they are well staged and choreographed and are exciting to watch all bringing us right up to the point where Mad Max: Fury Road begins.

All-in-all, a rip-roaring fun time at the Cineplex. The rollercoaster ride of the summer.

Letter Grade A-

8 (out of 10) Stars

And…you can take that to the Bank(OfMarquis)