Anyone else see the new Mad Max?

[Jimster41]

It is very very good. 9+/10 IMHO
See it in 3d if at all possible.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

I am seeing it in a couple hours! I couldn't believe the ratings. I thought for sure it would be a dud.

 

[Ryan_m_b]

Saw it in 2D (3D gives me headaches), really good film! Nothing more than it pretends to be, a high octane crazy car chase. Was totally Charlize Theron's film, Tom Hardy was good but she really carried it.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Just got back. A real trip. Love the artistic direction.Totally over the cliff in every possible way, but that is the glory in it. Pure fun entertainment. Good job.

 

[GTOM]

Saw it in 2D (3D gives me headaches), really good film! Nothing more than it pretends to be, a high octane crazy car chase. Was totally Charlize Theron's film, Tom Hardy was good but she really carried it.

So it is true, that Max isn't even the main character. They should have been honest at least, and rename the fim...

 

[phinds]

So it is true, that Max isn't even the main character. They should have been honest at least, and rename the fim...

Uh ... wait ... you are expecting honesty from Hollywood? Listen, I've got this really impressive bridge in Brooklyn that I'll sell you at a great price.

 

[Ryan_m_b]

So it is true, that Max isn't even the main character. They should have been honest at least, and rename the fim...

No that's not true, Max is a main character but there is arguably one other leads the film better than he does.

 

[Jimster41]

Max is pretty main, but it's an ensemble situation. I think the theme is exactly that too. I like Tom Hardy, and he was a pretty awesome Max.
I thought the Hoult kid was pretty darn good.

"Wiiiitneeeeeeeeeeeess!"

But the filmmakers do a great job of making the cast just a part of medium, and not distracting.

I agree that the overall art was dead on, true to the original, as was the pacing.
Some stunning cinematography. The scene where Charlize is just kneeling in the desert, screaming. All you hear is music. Can't get that one out of my head.

You see something like that, and you are like, "that's was good" then later, it's like... How...did they do that!.
I'm just talking about the rust. The rust was perfect. And some of the stunts... CGI, yeah sure lots of it. But I think some of that was real, at the edge, stuntwork.

So many details, used to set the stage, tell the wider story... that's the key. That's the immersion...

The "tacit in-dwelling of narrative" as M. Polanyi would say.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

You see something like that, and you are like, "that's was good" then later, it's like... How...did they do that!.

I saw a late show and had real trouble falling asleep after. It's like riding a roller coaster for 2 hours.

And some of the stunts... CGI, yeah sure lots of it.

Honestly I could very rarely tell what was CGI and what was real (obviously bodies flying)

 

[Jimster41]

I like Charlize as action chick (what's not to like). She impressed me in Aeon Flux. And she didn't disappoint here.

 

[Fredrik]

When I saw the trailer, I thought it looked like it would be one of the worst films of all time. If a hundred people tell me that it's good, then maybe I'll have to watch it some time, but no way I'll go to see it in a movie theater.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

When I saw the trailer, I thought it looked like it would be one of the worst films of all time. If a hundred people tell me that it's good, then maybe I'll have to watch it some time, but no way I'll go to see it in a movie theater.

I was the same way. Trust me, I hate Fast and Furious and Transformers, but Mad Max is about as good as it gets. It's a must see in a theater. Just do it! :)

 

[DaveC426913]

When I saw the trailer, I thought it looked like it would be one of the worst films of all time. If a hundred people tell me that it's good, then maybe I'll have to watch it some time,...

I was the same way. Trust me, I hate Fast and Furious and Transformers, but Mad Max is about as good as it gets. It's a must see in a theater. Just do it! :)

Hm. You guys are singin' my song. Maybe I'll change my mind too.

But the filmmakers do a great job of making the cast just a part of medium, and not distracting.

Wait wait wait waitwaitwait.

Wait.

You don't like the characters to distract from the story??

 

[Jimster41]

Hm. You guys are singin' my song. Maybe I'll change my mind too.
Wait wait wait waitwaitwait.

Wait.

You don't like the characters to distract from the story??

I don't like the actors to distract from the story. A film where I know none of the actors is at an advantage before the title even rolls.
I should have been more clear in differentiating between cast of actors and cast of characters.

In this one I buy all the characters. And the actors barely register. Just the way I like it.

Go see it, I doubt you'll be sorry. I think it's a classic of the future.
I need to learn more about George Miller.

Wait are you saying he did Transformers and F&F? That would explain why I hadn't heard of him. Those are fun as comics, but definitely board room movies. This is not. This is top shelf post apocalyptic Sci-fI.

I'm already itching to see it again...

 

[DaveC426913]

I don't like the actors to distract from the story. A film where I know none of the actors is at an advantage before the title even rolls.
I should have been more clear in differentiating between cast of actors and cast of characters.

Ah. Upon rereading, I thought maybe that's what you meant. In your defense, you did say "cast", which is a reference to the actors, not the characters. My bad.

 

[Zackary Miller]

Wonderful movie as many others have said before. Funny in some places, but sort of serious in others, and the wonderful part is that it does not pretend to be some dissertation on life the universe and everything (which obviously would be about the number 42) but rather about getting to see a high octane car chase through the desert, and it does that splendidly.

 

[ElmMiracle]

This moivie is awesome! I was afraid that it would be worse then previous parts, but instead it appeared to be even better! I don't remember when was the last time when I had so much fun while watching a film.

 

[PWiz]

My friends are going out tomorrow to watch it and asked me if I wanted to come. I was thinking about saying no, but I'm having second thoughts now after coming across this thread...

 

[phion]

I wan't sure what to expect. I didn't know watching a car chase for two hours could be so thrilling. The girls were really hot too.

 

[GTOM]

No that's not true, Max is a main character but there is arguably one other leads the film better than he does.

They have written the script for a laughable action babe. I think i have better things to do then go to the cinema and watch a dumb action movie that isn't even Mad Max.

 

[Ryan_m_b]

They have written the script for a laughable action babe. I think i have better things to do then go to the cinema and watch a dumb action movie that isn't even Mad Max.

What makes her laughable? Have you even seen the film? If the only reason you don't want to see it is that Max is thrown together with a strong female character then you're missing out on a great film for a poor reason.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

What makes her laughable? Have you even seen the film?

Agreed, I thought Furiosa (Charlize) was an extremely strong feminine character that you wanted to cheer for.

 

[Jimster41]

I really liked the chem between her and Max. Understated, as a post apocalyptic romance might be.

 

[Dominic Chang]

I wouldn't really have said that I felt that there was any form or romantic chemistry between them.

 

[Jimster41]

I was being a little ironic, in calling it an understated romance.

It was like a joke.

 

[GTOM]

What makes her laughable? Have you even seen the film? If the only reason you don't want to see it is that Max is thrown together with a strong female character then you're missing out on a great film for a poor reason.

Chuck Norris, Jet Li, they could face a real enemy. Schwarzenegger has the strength, Mel Gibson has the charisma. Michelle Yeoh she really had a hard training, Lucy Lawless worked in a mine.
I can believe that they could handle a slap. Charlize as the big action hero, who isn't even equal to Max, but becomes dominant...
Okay i will watch it when it reaches TV, i have an action-comedy on my movie list.

 

[Ryan_m_b]

Chuck Norris, Jet Li, they could face a real enemy. Schwarzenegger has the strength, Mel Gibson has the charisma. Michelle Yeoh she really had a hard training, Lucy Lawless worked in a mine.
I can believe that they could handle a slap. Charlize as the big action hero, who isn't even equal to Max, but becomes dominant...
Okay i will watch it when it reaches TV, i have an action-comedy on my movie list.

Charlize has been in action roles before, like aeonflux which was an underrated film in my opinion. I don't get what you mean as not equal to max but in terms of whether or not she plays an action hero the answer is resoundingly yes. In the film she's strong, smart and gives off a very powerful vibe.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Chuck Norris, Jet Li, they could face a real enemy. Schwarzenegger has the strength, Mel Gibson has the charisma. Michelle Yeoh she really had a hard training, Lucy Lawless worked in a mine.
I can believe that they could handle a slap. Charlize as the big action hero, who isn't even equal to Max, but becomes dominant...
Okay i will watch it when it reaches TV, i have an action-comedy on my movie list.

Dislike

 

[phinds]

Dislike

Agree.

 

[DavidSnider]

I saw this movie in IMAX 3D and I found it really entertaining, even if a bit thin on plot. I'm not sure I'd really want to watch it outside of a theater though. It's like a post apocalyptic cirque du soleil.

One of my favorite reviews about this movie had the realization that Mad Max's character was playing the role of the "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" trope in his own movie. It's so true, but it worked well.

 

[Jimster41]

I saw this movie in IMAX 3D and I found it really entertaining, even if a bit thin on plot. I'm not sure I'd really want to watch it outside of a theater though. It's like a post apocalyptic cirque du soleil.

One of my favorite reviews about this movie had the realization that Mad Max's character was playing the role of the "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" trope in his own movie. It's so true, but it worked well.

Had to wiki that but, I agree. And the idea seems post apocalyptically...apropos?

I saw an interview w/George Miller. I guess he's got two more.

 

[meBigGuy]

WOW ---- it must be a generational thing. That movie was the biggest DUD I've seen in a long time. No Plot, no character, no theme. Just a 95% car chase fight scene movie. (Yes, easily 95%).

Sure, the CGI technology and 3D were spectacular. But the totally contrived, impractical, weapons and devices were laughable and really hard to get past. The high speed fight scenes just went ON and ON and ON and ON and ON and ON and On and ... - No Lie, 95% of the movie was car chase battle scenes. The bad guys can't shoot, can't fight, and the good guys can't miss. Sheesh ---

I have no idea how anyone thought anybody "dominated" as a character since there was nothing like any character development.

It had no soul. It'll be even more boring when it hits TV.

 

[DavidSnider]

But the totally contrived, impractical, weapons and devices were laughable and really hard to get past.

Looks fairly reasonable to me. I think you're right, it's a generational thing.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Looks fairly reasonable to me. I think you're right, it's a generational thing.

The guitar truck was my absolute favorite part! It's not supposed to be realistic.

 

[meBigGuy]

I don't need or expect realistic (in fact I intentionally didn't use that word). This was WAY beyond unrealistic (try stupid). Guardians of the Galaxy was hardly realistic, for example, and I loved it. I just found Mad Max tiresome.
If it had been 25% chase battles and more drama, ... well, it wasn't, so that's that. I suppose I should have watch the trailer.

The film technology was impressive. If you are going to see it, see it in 3D in the theater.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

I suppose I should have watch the trailer.

Or watch the original ones

This is one of those movies where you have to let yourself go. You can't analyze anything. Just sit back and enjoy the roller coaster.

The film technology was impressive. If you are going to see it, see it in 3D in the theater.

I saw it in 2D. Most are saying stay away from the 3D because it wasn't shot in 3D

 

[phinds]

OH GOOD GRIEF !

Rotten Tomatoes now shows it as, based on a poll of critics, the 10th best move of all time. Now although I haven't seen it I expect it to be fun since I like movies where lots of things go boom, but seriously ... 10th best of all time? I just can't imaging that. I mean if you look at some of the movies that follow on their list, the idea that a road warrior movie could be better than them is laughable.

 

[Jimster41]

Hey man that flaming guitar guy was totally plausible - he was just the analogue of the fife and drum, in the post industrial waste-land.

I thought the use of 3D was one of the selling points. It had a somewhat intentional, stage-set construction feel to it - very specifically applied. Like the guitar curtain on the crucial scene. I loved that, not because it was over the top, but because of the way it punctuated the scene just before, and suddenly made you aware of yourself sitting in the seat, watching a story. Very funny, but not ha ha funny.

There are all kinds of reasons not to like it (and everyone has their own taste), but as pure film craft assessment (which to my thinking needs to be genre neutral or genre-inclusive, and also agnostic with respect to many aspects of story and purpose) it was brilliantly made.

I can't stand Pulp-Fiction, or Reservoir Dogs, but I get why Quentin Terrentino is a film-making genius. Like-wise, Wes Andersen isn't going to be to everyone's taste, but he's also a master of the medium. I think these assessments represent the best self-awareness of the arts - how quality can be assessed across subjective experience. Oh, yeah, I can't stand any story about gangsters or mobsters, no matter how well the story is told. But I've seen The Godfather, and I agree it is brilliant.

This was very fine craft.

 

[Fredrik]

It's good to see some comments that aren't extremely positive. I have never had such a strong negative reaction to a trailer as I had to this one, so all the positive comments made me feel like one of those Star Trek robots that started thinking about the liar paradox.

 

[DrStupid]

WOW ---- it must be a generational thing. That movie was the biggest DUD I've seen in a long time. No Plot, no character, no theme. Just a 95% car chase fight scene movie. (Yes, easily 95%).

Maybe it is just an expect-something-else thing. The trailer leave no doubt what kind of movie it is. Thus I switched my brain off and had a lot of fun.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

It's good to see some comments that aren't extremely positive. I have never had such a strong negative reaction to a trailer as I had to this one, so all the positive comments made me feel like one of those Star Trek robots that started thinking about the liar paradox.

I saw the trailer and thought it would be horrible. I was wrong. But I will admit, it's not for everyone.

 

[Jimster41]

I was killing time waiting for a new muffler to get installed. Saw the Avengers Age of Ultron (which was pretty fun!) , but the car still wasn't done. So decided to check out Mad Max, which I had originally not been interested in seeing.

That's probably why I enjoyed it as much as I did. I had zero expectations.

 

[Fredrik]

I saw the trailer and thought it would be horrible. I was wrong. But I will admit, it's not for everyone.

OK, that's interesting, as is your earlier comment about how you don't like The transformers or the Fast and Furious movies. That comment poked a hole in my theory that the only reason this movie is getting good reviews is that it has only been seen by Michael Bay fans and people who cheer out loud in the movie theater every time Vin Diesel or Paul Walker does something. And the comment you made now is an interesting contrast to the fact that in the extremely positive review that I quickly scrolled through today, the reviewer said that he had been looking forward to the movie for months, and had to restrain himself to not watch the trailers more than a few times per day.

 

[meBigGuy]

Or watch the original ones

I was fine with the originals, Mad Max, Road Warrior (the best), Thunderdome. A co worker saw it and said it was great, he was on the edge of his chair through the whole thing. I went with few, if any, expectations (people not liking movies because of expectations is a pet peeve of mine). I was just bored by the battles that others found exciting. Not sure why.

 

[DiracPool]

So it is true, that Max isn't even the main character. They should have been honest at least, and rename the fim...

I just saw it last night night in 3D, what a wild ride. Great CGI, they got the post-apocalyptic feel and colors just right. Great action. But the plot and character development, IMHO, were severely lacking. Maybe I was just a bit hypersensitive to this because I had high expectations considering RT 98% score, but I thought they could have done better here.

Clearly Charlize was the main character, but it was awkward because it seemed as they felt obliged to force some kind of a main character role on Max. Who in my opinion, was a hollow character. We really had no history of him other than him being "haunted by the faces of those he couldn't save." That wasn't really compelling nor was the fact that Charlize had no history we could bite on either.

But perhaps the thing that irritated me the most was that these post-apocalyptic "mortal" humans somehow had no need of either food nor drink, except for the occasional beetle or lizard. That wouldn't seem to add up to the calories needed for such a high octane existence. The most absurd comment in the movie, however, was when the main evil guy said "Don't get too hooked on water." Really? You're going to say this to thousands of mortal human beings in the desert? I don't care if this is the movies, this is portrayed as post-apocalyptic real human-like situation, not complete fantasy. I think they could have done better in that respect.

 

[meBigGuy]

http://vehicleshowcase.madmaxmovie.com/

 

[Fredrik]

I finally saw it. The two long action scenes were intense, but far too long. I was already sick of them a few minutes into the second one, and just wanted the movie to end. The characters were paper thin. Their vehicles and their society didn't make much sense. I realize that we're supposed to ignore that last part and just enjoy the ride, but I wasn't quite able to. All things considered, I'd say that it was watchable, but not more than that. The 8.6 at IMDb, the 89/100 at metacritic.com, and the mind-boggling 98% at rottentomatoes.com still don't make sense to me.

 

[rootone]

I didn't really like it much, but then later I watched this.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1587807/?ref_=nv_sr_1

All is forgiven mad max.