Mad Max: Fury Road

The Gist: Still wandering the Australian desert, Max is captured by Immortan Joe's warriors in order to be enslaved. Fortunately for Max, one of Joe's main commanders, Imperator Furiosa, defects with his prized breeders, setting up a furious and violent race for freedom.

Thirty years after the third chapter in the Mad Max franchise, director George Miller goes back to the desert to inject new life in this iconic cinematic character, and it's a thrilling experience.

Tom Hardy takes on the role that Mel Gibson made famous with a corresponding and required grittiness. Hardy doesn't have many lines to deliver, as most of the performance is physical, but I can't think of a better actor to revive the role.

He's matched in intensity by a phenomenal Charlize Theron as Furiosa, the rebellious Imperator who dares defying the evil Immortan Joe.

Mad Max: Fury Road received a nomination for Best Picture at this year's Oscars and given the level of entertainment it delivers it's more than justified. The chases through the desert are absolutely breathtaking in their scope, level of violence, and directing bravura.

Also of note is the spectacular cinematography. All the different color tonalities used throughout the movie add a vital visual element.

The Bottom Line: While I often rant against Hollywood's penchant for producing lame sequels whose only purpose is to rake in more cash after a successful release, I am very happy with the decision to revive this character. Miller does a fantastic job in a production that must have been maddening to put together. I can't recommend this movie more. A must-see.

Grade: 9