Mad Max: Fury Road (15A) ****
Australian director George Miller first made his name with Mad Max in 1978, starring an unknown Mel Gibson. Now Miller returns to the franchise with a new talent in the title role –British actor Tom Hardy – and a considerably heftier budget.
Hardy proves himself to be reliable as charismatic as usual, but the movie is stolen by an on-form Charlize Theron.
As Furiosa, a woman on a rescue mission across the vast desert, Theron disarms with the sheer intensity of her screen presence, and creates a character who feels instantly iconic.
The movie finds its balance following an overly busy – but undoubtedly action-packed – opening half hour in which every character feels over the top. But the movie soon finds its tone, and builds into an impressive action flick.
Miller's vision brings us to what is left of the world following a series of wars and disasters, led by the nasty King Immortan Joe, who thrives on the misery and chaos.
When former highway patrol man Max manages to free himself from capture by Joe's army and make his way across the desert, he meets others who are making their escape.
Furiosa (Theron) has taken ownership of the Five Wives, beautiful women who the leader wants to use to create a new generation in his likeness. With a vast army in pursuit, their only hope is to join forces.
Fury Road doesn’t have a subtle bone in its body and the high-octane elements of every character and situation are initially distracting. But it builds into a spectacular action movie in the purest sense.
Pitch Perfect 2 (12A) ****
Pitch Perfect 2 plays like more of a remake of the 2012 hit than a sequel as the makers refuse to stray from the winning formula of the first film. But it's no less fun for that.
Elizabeth Banks steps up to direct this time, and makes the most of her energetic young cast.
Unsurprisingly, red-hot Australian actress and comedienne Rebel Wilson is at the centre of the action this time round.
Following an embarrassing incident on live television, The Bellas are suspended from both performances and national competition.
They're gutted at the prospect of being unable to sing live, especially when talented newcomer Emily (Hailee Steinfeld) swells their ranks.
Their only hope of redemption is to become the first US group to win the World Championships, being held in Copenhagen. To do so they'll have to beat multiple champs, the delightfully smug and talented German group Das Sound Machine.
Like its predecessor, Pitch Perfect 2 soars thanks to a spirited cast and a sparkling, funny script penned by Kay Cannon. But a bit more originality wouldn't have gone amiss.
