Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
In the post apocalyptic wasteland a fierce warrior, Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy), is forged by the impossible sink or swim circumstances she’s forced into by two warlords of the desert, Dr. Dementus (Chris Hemsworth) and Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme). Now, trained by the best defensive driver known, Praetorian Jack (Tom Burke), Furiosa is further armed with the skills and tools necessary to seek vengeance for family lost.
Written by George Miller and Nick Lathouris and Directed by Miller this well equipped prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) brings fans of the franchise back to dirty and dustier times where the wrestlings between Gas Town, Bullet Town, and the Citadel dominate the wasteland casting civility to the side, familiar themes and concepts. To that end Miller isn’t exactly mining new ore in this latest exercise, but rather, offering an examination to Furiosa’s origin; which Taylor-Joy triumphantly receives and delivers, the steely, shiny, and chrome gaze is strong in this one. So, it’s big, it’s loud, and it’s brash, but it’s also long with a runtime of two hours and twenty eight minutes, but Miller just has to have one more car chase, one more explosion, and one more conversation that seemingly was already punctuated. And, sadly, for a director who historically has embraced the chaos and splendor of practical effects, Miller’s opting for CGI and digital artistry this go round seems diminished by comparison. No doubt budget, safety, and wilder imagination top the list of rationales for this move, but the change is definitely noticeable as end credits roll and practical scenes from Fury Road are played back, a fun but unfortunate juxtaposition reminding the viewer what could have been. Regardless, blockbuster season is officially in effect this weekend. Boom. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is rated R.