The origin story of renegade warrior Furiosa before her encounter and team-up with Mad Max.
I eagerly anticipated “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” the spin-off of the adrenaline-fueled juggernaut “Mad Max: Fury Road.” As someone who never quite connected with the original Mad Max trilogy, I was blown away by George Miller’s 2015 reboot. Its reliance on practical effects over CGI showcased Miller’s genius. Unfortunately, despite sky-high expectations, “Furiosa” fails to recapture that magic.
The film tells the origin story of Furiosa, portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy. Kidnapped by the ostentatious warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth), Furiosa escapes and finds herself in the clutches of the ruthless Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme). Under the guidance of Joe’s commander, Praetorian Jack (Tom Burke), Furiosa plots her escape. However, Dementus’s attack sets her on a path of revenge.
Miller’s talent for staging breathtaking action sequences is on full display. The War Rig’s maiden voyage, a practical effects-heavy set piece, is a testament to his skill. Witnessing it in a Dolby Theater was exhilarating, the rumbling seats amplifying every explosion and revving engine. This is Miller at his best.
However, the sped-up, choppy editing that permeates the Mad Max saga is particularly jarring in “Furiosa.” This stylistic choice, intended to create unease, often pulls the viewer out of the scene. Anya Taylor-Joy shines as Furiosa, conveying raw emotion with a single glance. Her performance is a highlight in an otherwise mediocre film.
Chris Hemsworth’s over-the-top portrayal of Dementus robs the character of menace. His flamboyance feels misplaced, a stark contrast to the intimidating presence of Immortan Joe. While I applaud Hemsworth’s attempt to break free from his Thor persona, Dementus feels like a misfire.
“Furiosa” is a frustrating misstep. Its increased reliance on CGI and poor editing choices detract from the practical brilliance of “Fury Road.” I yearn for a return to Max’s story, with Tom Hardy or even an aging Mel Gibson reprising the role. Furiosa’s journey, while intriguing, pales in comparison to the character who started it all. In the world of Mad Max, anything is possible, and here’s hoping the franchise gets back on track.
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Black & Chrome Edition” and
“Mad Max 5-Film 4K Collector’s Edition” arrives on September 24th