Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Movie Review

Our company, Jules Family Vision, was honored to attend an early screening of Warner Brothers‘ “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” on Monday, May 20, 2024, at the IMAX theater at Assembly Row in Somerville.

Our co-founder, Jimmy C. Jules, who is also an actor, offers his insights on the film, focusing on the performances, direction, and overall execution. The movie is set to hit theaters on May 24th.

FURIOSA : A MAD MAX SAGA REVIEW – Sneak Peek Trailer.

Jimmy found “Furiosa” to be an incredibly entertaining experience. From the very beginning, the film captures attention with its dynamic action sequences and strong character introductions. Alyla Browne delivers a standout performance as young Furiosa, displaying remarkable skill and depth for such a young actress. Holding her own alongside some well-seasoned actors, her portrayal sets a compelling foundation for the character’s development. We can expect to see a lot more great work from her, and Jimmy is looking forward to seeing what she does in the future.

One of the notable appearances in the film is Elsa Pataky, who plays a Vuvalini General. Her presence adds an interesting layer to the early scenes, especially during the moment when Furiosa is taken. Jimmy was first introduced to Elsa in “Fast Five” of the “Fast & Furious” series, which is why she stood out to him. It’s worth noting that Pataky’s husband, Chris Hemsworth, stars as the film’s lead antagonist, Dementus.

LA premiere of ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

Anya Taylor-Joy’s portrayal of the adult Furiosa, although appearing later in the film, is compelling. Her performance captures the essence of the character with a nuanced portrayal that emphasizes Furiosa’s resilience and strength. Taylor-Joy’s expressive eyes convey much of her character’s inner turmoil and resolve, making her a worthy successor to the groundwork laid by Browne and the legacy of Charlize Theron.

Chris Hemsworth delivers a memorable performance as Dementus, a character whose insanity and ambition are vividly portrayed. Hemsworth’s enthusiasm for the role is evident, and his portrayal adds a significant dynamic to the film’s antagonistic forces.

Jimmy was particularly moved by the inclusion of Quaden Bayles, who gained widespread attention in 2020 after a video of him expressing distress over being bullied due to his dwarfism went viral. Bayles’ appearance in the film left a significant impact on Jimmy because he was familiar with Bayles and his story. Seeing Bayles on the big screen doing what he loves, after enduring so much pain, was especially moving.

Jimmy noted that while Bayles’ character doesn’t have a happy ending, his performance was heartfelt and powerful, particularly during a critical moment towards the film’s conclusion. This moment involved Bayles’ character finally getting the go-ahead from Anya Taylor-Joy’s Furiosa to proceed and do ‘the thing.’ Jimmy was very excited and ready to witness the moment when Bayles got the go-ahead to finally do ‘the thing.’ As anticipation built, viewers will just have to see the movie to find out what happens.

The film’s narrative is both intense and poignant, providing a deep backstory to the iconic character of Furiosa. Jimmy appreciated how the movie, as a prequel to “Fury Road,” seamlessly transitions from Furiosa’s early struggles to the point where “Fury Road” begins. This clever editing during the end credits helps to bridge the gap between the two films, creating a cohesive Mad Max universe.

Director George Miller once again proves his prowess in creating epic blockbusters. The scale and vision of “Furiosa” are impressive, showcasing Miller’s ability to blend intense action with detailed character development. The practical effects and stunts are a testament to the film’s high production values and Miller’s dedication to creating a visually and emotionally engaging experience.

Overall, “Furiosa” is a thrilling and emotionally charged prequel that expands the Mad Max saga in a meaningful way. Jimmy believes it is a must-see for fans and newcomers alike, and hopes it won’t take another decade to see the next installment in this iconic series.