This review may contain spoilers.
Joe Jacquez’s review published on Letterboxd:
100% 💯
Mad Max Fury Road is the best action movie since Die Hard (my favorite film ever). It shines in its quiet moments, and it's character-driven, not plot-driven.
What works for me
In short, EVERYTHING, but:
Fury Road features the best fight choreography, action set pieces, visual effects, and, BY FAR, the best color correction I have seen in any movie. It is a high-testosterone thrill ride from beginning to end.
The color correction, which helps create a standard appearance for the film and, when done right, immerses you in the film's world, is so consistent with browns and yellows and blues. I just LOVED looking at this film.
The storm scene is jaw-dropping, and the action is peak entertainment.
From an action movie to a piece of cinema
Where this movie surprises me and elevates it above your typical action movie is its quieter moments.
I relate to Max and Furiosa wanting to become leaders but needing more time initially. It's hard.
The dialogue between Theron and Hardy is intelligent and often thought-provoking.
Touching on female empowerment is also impressive. Furiosa takes the wives under her wing, and they come into their own after suffering at the hands of Immortan Joe touches on themes of female empowerment and its beauty.
Score breakdown:
Story - 10/10
Script - 10/10
Direction - 10/10
Acting - 10/10
Pacing - 10/10
Production Design + Cinematography - 10/10
Visual Effects - 10/10
Editing + Sound Design - 10/10
Score - 10/10
Resonate - 10/10