'Mad Max: Fury Road' review: A brilliant spectacle, unbridled metaphor and gorgeous mayhem rolled into one

Director: George Miller
Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Nicholas Hoult, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Rating: **** 

What's it about: In an unspecified time in the future, the world has gone mad. And going by the sights and sounds, batshit insane. That's what happens when there's little or no gas, little or no water left and if you do have any of these two "luxuries" in stock, you're either Immortan Joe (Keays-Bryne), the overlord of crazy kids who call themselves War Boys or you're at the receiving end of stalkers, hunters and murderers. And if that won't kill you, the punishing forces of nature and the desert landscape will. In such a world emerge two rebels, each with their cause - Imperator Furiosa (Theron) and Max Rockatansky (Hardy). Both have scores to settle with Joe and agendas of their own. Who makes it alive out of this one?

What's hot: Charlize, undoubtedly, steals the show. The film might be titled after Tom's character - and Hardy is a fine actor, no doubt about that - but Charlize is the beating heart of the film. Miller returns to familiar turf - he directed the first two Mad Max films over three decades ago - helming a film that's brilliant spectacle, unbridled metaphor and gorgeous mayhem rolled into one. All this despite very few dialogues actually making it to the film. And the vehicles! Don't even get me started on the out-of-this-world vehicles!  Awesome direction, production design, makeup and photography.

What's not: For fans of the original, this send-up might provide enough hours of cooler-conversation discussions. The rest of you might just be left scratching your head about the insanely beautiful yet seemingly excessive action-packed scenes. The music, save in a few parts, is ear-numbing

What to do: The few tiny flaws aside, there's much to love about this film. Get on this crazy drive, but hang on for dear life. It's gonna be a wild ride!