One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.
As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.
Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.
I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”
When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.
See you at the movies!
***Spoilers Ahead!!!***
103: Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) Directed by George Miller
The Movie: In the future, resources are scarce and fought over. Max (Tom Hardy) lives in this world and attempts to protect people. Max is haunted by his failures and is captured by the followers of the vicious Warlord Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne). Max is strapped to the car of Nux (Nicholas Hoult) as a blood bag. Joe instructs his lieutenant Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) to trade with neighboring allies. Joe is giving them produce for fuel.
But, Furiosa has another plan, onboard her War Rig is Joe’s five wives, Toast (Zoe Kravitz), Capable (Riley Keough) The Dag (Abbey Lee), The Splendid Angharad (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley) and Cheedo (Courtney Eaton). When Joe learns of Fuiosa’s betrayal, he sends an army after them. A battle ensues and Furiosa is able to escape by driving into a sandstorm. Everyone but Nux, who tries to sacrifice himself by blowing up the rig. Max has other plans as he escapes his restraints and ties up Nux.
Furiosa escapes but her rig breaks down after the storm and she is forced to stop and repair it. At first, Max wants to steal the rig, but realizes that he needs a code to bypass the security system. Max agrees to help Furiosa and Joe’s wives escape from him.
Furiosa made a deal with a biker gang that she encountered in a canyon. Fuel for her safe passage. The gang has other ideas and turns on Furiosa. The gang is soon interrupted of their treachery when they see the army of Joe approaching. The gang sets off an explosion that stops the army and they peruse the rig. Joe uses a monster truck to jump over the rubble and is after the rig. Nux, is able to jump on the rig but trips and is stopped. Max has his hands full and is helped by Angharad, who falls from the rig and is killed when Joe runs her over. Joe overcome with grief and anger stops his pursuit.
That night after the rig gets stuck in a swampland, Furiosa tells Max that she is headed to the “Green Place” a beautiful place were there is a tribe of women. Furiosa tells Max that she was taken from her home when she was a child and she plans on returning there with Joe’s five wives. Furiosa looks around and recognizes a landmark from her childhood. Furiosa sees a woman and calls out to her. The woman summons more women and tells Furiosa that they recognize her as a child of theirs that was kidnapped. She also explains that the swampland that the rig is stuck in is all that remains from her former land.
The rig leaves Max behind and they attempt to find a new home. Max is haunted however by a child he failed to save in the past. Max races to catch up to the rig and tells Furiosa that instead of running they should take the fight to Joe, and take the Citadel that has water and crops. Furiosa agrees and she meets Joe’s army head on.
The battle is a hard fought one, with many casualties. Max takes on Rictus Erectus (Nathan Jones) and Furiosa goes after Joe. Furiosa kills Joe and this time Nux sacrifices himself to kill Rictus. Max realizing that Furiosa is dying, transfuses his blood into hers, saving her life.
At the Citadel, Joe’s corpse is presented to the citizens, who tear it apart. Max and Furiosa share one last look and go their separate ways.
Why I Love Mad Max: Fury Road (2015): Take a well established action franchise and turn it up to 11, and that’s how you get Fury Road. The movie is just plan badass. The story is a simple one and it totally works.
The basic plot of trying to escape and then realizing that you can’t outrun your past forever is a universal theme. The action set pieces are some of the coolest around and they are directed with such flair by Miller.
After seeing the last two Fast & Furious movies, made me appreciate Fury Road even more. All the action takes place on camera. There are no fully CGI cars that make the car chases and combat look fake. It all takes place in the real world, making the movie that much more impactful. Seriously, watch the making of and see how they pulled off the insane stunts, it’s incredible.
The cinematography is world class too. John Seale is one hell of a cinematographer whose credits include such diverse films as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Rain Man.
Insane car battles, badass characters and stunning cinematography make Mad Max: Fury Road one of the best action movies of the 2010’s.