Having never seen any of the previous Mad Max films I was a bit hesitant to jump into this one, but after hearing such great things about Fury Road I had to see what the fuss was about. Fury Road is an amazing action movie, and the type of action movie you just don't see any more: One that isn't mindless mind-numbing CG nonsense. Even though this film is pretty much a two-hour chase scene, it still takes a few moments to let you catch your breath now and again. It has genuine character development. And it has a female character not just supporting the male lead, but actually holding her own. In fact, what is most monumental about the story is how the two main leads help each other, playing to each others' strengths, throughout the story. They use teamwork. Not a man saving a woman, or a woman saving the day despite the fact that she is a woman, but two people, working together, regardless of gender.

The film's world is fully realized, yet never clumsily explained. Things just are the way they are, and we can enjoy seeing it, without having it shoved down our throats. Many of the big action set-pieces utilize practical effects, real explosions, incredible specially made vehicles, and even dummies rather than CG humans when the story calls for someone to kick the bucket. Sure there are some CG flourishes here and there, and even a big sandstorm that's all effects, but it's always done with the weight and reality of an old-school movie before computers took over. I enjoyed the story, characters, and the entire ride. And you don't have to be familiar with the prior films to get into this one as it's perfect as a stand-alone film. Would watch again.

4 Stars (out of 5)