MAD MAX: FURY ROAD does recycle story elements from the previous Mad Max movies, but it does so in such an emotionally immersive manner that it is almost like watching it all for the first time.  The film is also one of the most exciting movies I’ve seen.
   
At the end of MAD MAX: BEYOND THUNDERDOME, we left the children who have found their version of Paradise sending out a “homing signal” to Max, who is not quite ready to join them.  As we encounter Max in this film, the years haven’t been kind to him at all.  He never went to their home, and has become a tormented wanderer, seeing visions of dead family members who he was unable to save in the first movie.  Having pretty much lost touch with reality other than a desire to survive and be left alone, he has grown into the name of Mad Max.
  
Just as the second and third films had people seeking a new and better home, Max becomes thrust into yet another group searching for freedom.  This time, they are women who mostly have existed at the pleasure of men.  One, Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron), was a captive who has developed to become a trusted warrior leader of the tyrannical ruler, Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne).  While Furiosa is sent to lead a mission to acquire needed gasoline and bullets, she instead helps the “favored” group of women to escape ... and the chase is on.
   
Max, as portrayed by Tom Hardy, begins the movie lost and raging at the world.  As he finds a purpose again, the character elements of the “previous Max” resurface.  In this case, with Imperator Furiosa, he teams up with someone who can match him in “never give up” determination.
   
While there are remnants of “tribes” and locations we have seen before, MAD MAX: FURY ROAD doesn’t just repeat the formula.  We are taken to new places and encounter new survivors.  The stakes are different, yet still very high.  And an unspoken question resounds throughout, “How much would you be willing to risk to find Home?”
   
Director George Miller made his cinematic mark with “practical” stunt effects instead of a heavy reliance on CGI.  The road battles in this show are literally jaw-dropping.  If you don’t find yourself asking, “Just how did he do that?” on multiple occasions, it will likely be because you are too dazzled to do anything but be thrilled.
   
In MAD MAX: BEYOND THUNDERDOME and MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, there are hints that there are pockets of people who may be poised to rebuild civilization.  I remember reading that when Tom Hardy took over the role of Max, he agreed to multiple pictures.  So, it will be interesting to see whether Max’s wanderings take him back to the brink or an alignment with hope.  The latter would help break the feeling of having seen some of this before.  
   
Regardless, MAD MAX: FURY ROAD shows that George Miller has captured the crown of apocalyptic cinema.