'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' Review Roundup: It's a thumbs up but many point out some major flaws
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The long-awaited wish of the fans of 'Mad Max' franchise comes true with the release of 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga'.
Rolled out as the fifth installment to George Miller's popular franchise and a prequel to 'Mad Max: Fury Road' (2015), 'Furiosa' tells the story of Imperator Furiosa who, as a kid, is abducted from her home. As she grows up, she embarks on a mission to return to her homeland.
Before hitting the theatres on May 24, 2024, the film had its premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on 15 May 2024.
Following the screening, the film earned an 86 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 124 reviews.
Before booking your tickets to George Miller's post-apocalypse action adventure, check out a round-up of reviews from critics.
'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' receives mixed reviews from critics
Owen Gleiberman, in his review for Variety, pinpoints where the film falters. He writes, "Though it contains a handful of awesome action moments, the action doesn’t dominate the way it did in previous “Mad Max” films. The director, George Miller, seems more invested this time in his world-building than he is in his road-warrior-ing."
He adds that 'Furiosa' "wants to be something loftier than an action blowout, but the movie is naggingly episodic, and though it’s got two indomitable villains, neither one quite becomes the delirious badass you want."
David Rooney of Hollywood Reporter praises Anya Taylor-Joy for her "fierce presence in the title role."
Commenting further on Chris Hemsworth, he adds that the actor "is clearly having fun as a gonzo Wasteland warlord, but the mythmaking lacks muscle, just as the action mostly lacks the visual poetry of its predecessor."
Giving 'Furiosa' a 3/5 star, BBC calls, "Miller's strenuous efforts to up the ante come to feel more exhausting than exhilarating."
"You soon reach the point where you're sick of sand, sick of explosions, sick of off-puttingly sadistic violence, and sick of thunderous drums bashing away on the soundtrack, and yet the film keeps piling on more and more and more of them," the review further reads.
Mark Kennedy of the Associated Press gives the film a mere 2.5/5 rating, stating, "Miller is trying to add operatic heft and seriousness to what started in 1979 as a fun, rip-roaring smear of nightmarish, post-apocalyptic motor oil. In that case, “Fury Road” was fantastic, but “Furiosa” is just fine."
Is 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' worth watching?
'Furiosa' may not be among George Miller's finest works. It falters at several moments and may not match up to the excellence of the previous installments.
However, it isn't a bad film. Fans of the franchise and otherwise can watch it for its sleek action and gripping storyline.
Anya Taylor-Joy is another reason why you mustn't skip watching this film in theatres. Her impeccable performance will keep you engaged if nothing else swoons you.
'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' trailer
'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' arrives in cinemas near you on May 24, 2024.