George Miller's "FURIOSA"
Review by Dennis D. McDonald
FURIOSA is best seen on a large screen. There are amazing vistas to behold as action and vehicles traverse the screen, but there are also many close-ups of faces and eyes that pierce the air with color and intensity. The mix of characters is amazing with words and action making indelible impressions. And the costumes! The direction given to the costume designer must have been something like, "Go Nuts!"
This could also be said about the vehicles with Dementus’ three 3-motorcycle chariot taking the cake. Still, my favorite was the gleaming metal tanker with its side murals and twin engines. What a sound it makes!
Of course, the action is why one wants to see this movie. It does not disappoint with most action occurring off-road or over hillsides or dunes. Can motorized vehicles really do what this movie portrays? The army of special effects staff credited at the end suggests not, but who can tell!
Character-wise, the movie is chock full of interest. Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa is totally convincing. She's great. Chris Hemsworth as Dementus is amazing. Somehow he manages to imbue a cruel and inhuman tyrant with charm and humor.
My one complaint: the theater where I saw the film, the AMC Shirlington in Arlington, Virginia, brought up the house lights as the credits rolled. In this film the credits are interspersed with clips from the last film to illustrate story continuity. House lights disrupt the viewing. Besides, I always sit through and read movie credits, no matter how extensive. Hundreds if not thousands of people provide creative input for films like this and deserve to be recognized.
Review copyright (c) 2024 by Dennis D. McDonald
