sauce07

I liked the 3D, thought they did a great job with the depth. Really seems like 3D was in mind while filming.

Michael Corvin

Just saw it. Never saw the original three and had no idea what to expect. The action, cinematography, practical effects and look of the film was top notch. However you're just kinda dumped into this world with a paper thin story and expected to care about characters that have zero development. So it was good, but not great.

Why So Blu?

Rectify that and you will see what the fuss is about. There is no "dumping" into this world if you're familiar with the franchise, which you're not. Report back when you finish the other 3 films.

Shilex

Just got back from seeing it, and was disappointed there weren't more people in the theater. This movie was an absolute blast. The action was incredibly well shot, and it really transported me back to the 80's. This movie gave me that feeling you get after you watch a movie for the first time and you just know you're watching something special. I feel that Miller is miles beyond his action director peers in terms of size, scope, and the quality of planning he has with each of his set pieces. I remember him giving us just a taste of what he could do with modern-day technology in Babe:Pig in the City and that city chase scene, and I am so happy to see it fully realized in a new Mad Max film. The thing is just beautiful to look at, and incredibly inventive. His expertise behind the camera really makes me think that he would be the only person who could do a live-action Akira film justice. Fury Road is exactly what you've heard it was: a two hour car chase through a wasteland - but what a ride it is. It starts off full-blast and leaves you breathless after a couple of amazing scenes through the desert and through a sandstorm. My only criticism is that the last 30 minutes of action never quite matches or exceeds what we saw in the first half hour. That's not to say it isn't spectacular though. Definitely go to see this movie in a good theater with quality sound. If you liked the original Mad Max's, this definitely lives up to the hype. I'd place it closely behind Road Warrior as my favorite (and only because Road Warrior had a slightly better plot with that twist near the end).

Mondo Kane

^I also have to put it closely behind RW too.

I was fine with the action in that piece, but what I was really waiting for was to finally see the R-rating put to use. Seriously, this movie was mostly loaded with PG-13 violence. And while I admit that it was logically tricky to pull off gore effects on all of those shirtless War Boys, I thought the opportunity was there with those clothed pole-attackers...Especially when the chainsaw popped-up. I said to myself, "Alright! Here were go!" But not even one arterial spray was spotted. Shucks. And yeah, we did manage to get one brutal death during the climax to finally earn the rating.

But at this moment, I'd have to see that my favorite action sequence was actually the Max/Furioso (And chained-Nux) scrap. I just loved how that was choreographed and shot.

And my most favorite sound effect? THE GUITAR HITS! For real, it would be a frickin' crime if these movie doesn't get any Oscar noms for the sound departments.

Michael Corvin

That chain fight was the highlight of the film. Amazing sequence.

Sure, but it should be able to stand on its own given the span since the last film.

slop101

I liked it, but I agree. Fantastic action, and the world was set up just fine, but there was practically zero character or story.

rw2516

Just like porn!

RichC2

I dunno, as one critic put it, its basically Titus Andronicus on wheels. If you actually try explaining the story to somebody, you realize how much detail and plot there actually is for a movie that's mostly about mass mayhem. Characters could have used a little more establishing though.

OldBoy

I think there was just enough of everything to making it a near perfect viewing experience.

dsa_shea

I thought it was a great movie and enjoyed almost every bit of it. The only thing that bugged me were the few action sequences where you can tell that they sped up the footage and it played like action footage in a cartoon.

RichC2

On that note, this is the first time I've seen a movie and wished it was shot on film instead. It still looks great, but it feels decidedly less cinematic.

OldBoy

But those shots are such Miller staples! They were perfect!!

TomOpus

4.5 stars

One thing I liked was it pretty much stuck to what they showed in the trailer. Great action, as everyone has mentioned. The 2 hours flew by. Charlize was hot. Even with half an arm

The crowd wasn't very big (10:45am show) and was pretty much all dudes.

Defiant1

This movie was insane in the best way. Just loved it. My only slight complaint is that some of the dialogue was incomprehensible, especially in the beginning.

robin2099

Full disclosure I've never seen any of the Mad Max movies. I've seen them on TV in bits and pieces but never all the way through. Anyway this movie was amazing. The stunts, the scope, the action, how it was shot. I'd go so far as to say it won't just be the best action film of the year,but one of the best of all time. 5/5. I am curious though if Mel in his later years still could have pulled this off.

chanster

This movie was fantastic. Honestly, the best movie I have seen in the last several years. Kept me entertained throughout the movie and I thought Charlize Theron's acting was top notch. Obviously a big fan of the original Mad Max movies - I think this movie may top Road Warrior in some respects.

Why So Blu?

people laughed during the scene of Immortan Joe mourning and chanting. Dummies. It's that very moment that gives Joe even more depth.

Other than that quibble everyone loved it.

Mondo Kane

None of these are big spoilers. But I'll play along.

Solid Snake

What dialogue? I heard it all rather fine. Maybe it's your theater? I've seen it twice now and I've no issue w/ hearing anything.

I thought the film presented the characters really well. We know where this Max is coming from, we know Furiosa, and we get an understanding of the culture that is Immortan Joe. Everything is explained early on and then we move on learning what we need to know instead wanting to know. I thought it was solid. Told through what dialogue there is.

Did it need that? No. Does it harm it? Not at all. Just a neat stylistic choice.

I think Mel could have done what Hardy did here. Especially nowadays w/ how safe a film like this is. Looks fucking crazy but they're insanely safe.



---------

And as to where Fury Road stands in the continuity of franchise?



I think I'm going to watch it again cuz it was fucking good. Just grade A entertainment w/ a great world to be thrown in.

I'd love for Gibson to come back as a villain for the next Mad Max. Fuck. I'd love that so much.

Mondo Kane

I listened to Miller's commentary on Road Warrior the day before I watched Fury Road and it seemed like he wasn't a fan of the cranking (He talks about it during the scene when Max makes his final run on the Interceptor) I was surprised he used it again for this movie. Old habits never die I guess!

Solid Snake

I thought the same thing. The cranking was cuz there was no other way to show what needed to be shown. Now he used it to give a visual kick. I was ok with that.

Why So Blu?

The ironic thing is that then this film would be in that stunt double distracting thread currently posted - and how distracting Mel's stunt double is.

thelwig14

1. Loved it and not a Mad Max guy.

2. Before it started, Drafthouse had a great public service message from Toecutter and Miller.

3. My only complaints are minimal...like I wish it would have started more like Road Warrior and gave us a little more narrative on the world (ex. 3 camps, War Boys, dreadlock BMX crew, blood transfusions, etc). I also wish the Nathan Jones fight was just a tad longer. Even though he has clearly cycled off, he is still a great presence.

4. I guess I don't get the "anti-man" hate. Their actions were realistic and expected based on the story and environment. And it was all really well done/realistic from a science perspective. I mean it wasn't like a bunch of 100 pound girls were beating up grown men like Marvel movies and other goofy shows/movies. Miller did everything very grounded and practical. I almost think the hate is coming from groups that haven't watched it and are just parroting nonsense.

5. I hope this movie influences the rest of Hollywood from a practical effects and editing standpoint. Pretty embarrassing for everyone involved in the movie industry that a 70 year old man who is 30 years removed from directing an action flick just shot both middle fingers to Hollywood. It just shouldn't be this hard to direct intelligible action without it looking like a Pixar shaky cam fest.

RagingBull80

I saw it and I loved it and was disappointed at the same time. I've been a huge fan of the first two flicks since I was a child.

I loved it because I saw the same movie you guys saw. It was one long extended car chase, which is badass; the best part of the Road Warrior for an entire movie! I thought Hardy looked the part.

I was disappointed mainly because I'd been waiting for this movie for at least 15 years, which of course is going to have an impact on your enjoyment of a movie. I felt it was a little over-the-top. I know that's what Miller was going for and that's fine. I just loved the low-key stuff in the first two flicks. I was hoping for a little more of that slower wasteland stuff. The shot of Max staring at the wasteland at the beginning was a good example of that. Also, every character seemed unstoppable. I didn't really feel any danger for any of the characters.

All-in-all I liked the movie a lot. I'm glad I saw it and I'll probably go see it at least once more. Probably in 3D this time.

If they do a sequel, I hope we get some quieter moments and I want to see Max's dog. I think the next movie should focus more on Max being a drifter.

Also, I loved seeing the Toecutters eyes for a split-second.