
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Explicit content warning
03/11/25 • 105 min
Welcome back to Born to Watch, the movie podcast where we dive deep into the films that define genres, push boundaries, and leave audiences speechless. This week, we’re tackling one of the greatest action films of the modern era with our Mad Max Fury Road (2015) Movie Review.
When George Miller resurrected the Mad Max franchise in 2015, nobody expected just how monumental Fury Road would become. A two-hour adrenaline rush packed with death-defying stunts, high-speed chases, and jaw-dropping practical effects, this film redefined what action movies could be. From the stunning cinematography to the minimal but powerful storytelling, Fury Road remains a cinematic triumph. But where does it rank in the Mad Max series? And is it truly a Mad Max movie, or does Furiosa steal the show? The BTW team breaks it all down.
Mad Max Returns—But Is He the Star?
Tom Hardy takes over the iconic role of Max Rockatansky, a road-weary survivor haunted by his past. But does Max get lost in the dust in a film filled with larger-than-life warlords, kamikaze war boys, and a heavy-metal guitarist strapped to a flame-throwing rig?
Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa might be the real heart of Fury Road. Her mission to rescue the wives of the tyrannical Immortan Joe drives the story forward, and her character’s emotional depth makes her one of the most compelling action heroines of all time. We discuss whether Fury Road is more of a Furiosa film than a Max one—and how this dynamic affects the franchise as a whole.
Behind-the-Scenes Mayhem: A Production Nightmare
The journey to bring Mad Max Fury Road to life was almost as chaotic as the movie. Originally planned to film in the Australian Outback, unexpected rainstorms turned the barren wasteland into a flower-filled paradise, forcing the production to move to Namibia. Months of gruelling desert shoots, on-set conflicts, and the sheer ambition of the stunts made this one of the most difficult productions in recent memory.
George Miller, the mastermind behind the franchise, pushed for practical effects wherever possible. Almost everything you see on screen—the insane car chases, the gravity-defying stunts, and the war rigs tearing across the desert—was done for real. The result? It is a visceral, pulse-pounding experience unlike anything else.
The Legacy of Fury Road
When Fury Road hit theatres, it was more than just a blockbuster—it was a game-changer. The film scored 10 Oscar nominations, winning six, including Best Editing for George Miller’s wife, Margaret Sixel. But beyond the awards, Fury Road proved that practical effects, real stunts, and original storytelling could still dominate in an era of CGI-heavy action films.
But how does it hold up nearly a decade later? Does Fury Road deserve a spot among the greatest action movies ever? And where does it sit in the Mad Max franchise compared to The Road Warrior and Beyond Thunderdome?
The BTW Verdict: An Action Masterpiece
With non-stop action, unforgettable characters, and some of the most visually stunning cinematography in movie history, Mad Max Fury Road is a must-watch for any action fan. Whether you’re revisiting it for the tenth time or experiencing it for the first, there’s no denying that this film is a relentless, high-octane thrill ride from start to finish.
Tune in to this week’s episode as we break down every explosive moment, debate the film’s legacy, and determine if Fury Road is the best Mad Max film yet. Don’t forget to leave a review, share the episode with fellow movie lovers, and share your thoughts on the film!
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!
📣 Join the conversation:
💬 Did Tom Hardy live up to Mel Gibson’s Max?
🔥 Is Fury Road a Mad Max movie or Furiosa’s origin story?
🚗 What’s the most insane stunt in the film?
Please drop us a voicemail at BornToWatch.com.au and be part of the show!
#MadMaxFuryRoad #MovieReview #BornToWatchPodcast #ActionMovies #CharlizeTheron #TomHardy #GeorgeMiller #FilmLover #WarRig #Valhalla #WitnessMe #MovieBuff #FilmPodcast #CinephileLife
Welcome back to Born to Watch, the movie podcast where we dive deep into the films that define genres, push boundaries, and leave audiences speechless. This week, we’re tackling one of the greatest action films of the modern era with our Mad Max Fury Road (2015) Movie Review.
When George Miller resurrected the Mad Max franchise in 2015, nobody expected just how monumental Fury Road would become. A two-hour adrenaline rush packed with death-defying stunts, high-speed chases, and jaw-dropping practical effects, this film redefined what action movies could be. From the stunning cinematography to the minimal but powerful storytelling, Fury Road remains a cinematic triumph. But where does it rank in the Mad Max series? And is it truly a Mad Max movie, or does Furiosa steal the show? The BTW team breaks it all down.
Mad Max Returns—But Is He the Star?
Tom Hardy takes over the iconic role of Max Rockatansky, a road-weary survivor haunted by his past. But does Max get lost in the dust in a film filled with larger-than-life warlords, kamikaze war boys, and a heavy-metal guitarist strapped to a flame-throwing rig?
Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa might be the real heart of Fury Road. Her mission to rescue the wives of the tyrannical Immortan Joe drives the story forward, and her character’s emotional depth makes her one of the most compelling action heroines of all time. We discuss whether Fury Road is more of a Furiosa film than a Max one—and how this dynamic affects the franchise as a whole.
Behind-the-Scenes Mayhem: A Production Nightmare
The journey to bring Mad Max Fury Road to life was almost as chaotic as the movie. Originally planned to film in the Australian Outback, unexpected rainstorms turned the barren wasteland into a flower-filled paradise, forcing the production to move to Namibia. Months of gruelling desert shoots, on-set conflicts, and the sheer ambition of the stunts made this one of the most difficult productions in recent memory.
George Miller, the mastermind behind the franchise, pushed for practical effects wherever possible. Almost everything you see on screen—the insane car chases, the gravity-defying stunts, and the war rigs tearing across the desert—was done for real. The result? It is a visceral, pulse-pounding experience unlike anything else.
The Legacy of Fury Road
When Fury Road hit theatres, it was more than just a blockbuster—it was a game-changer. The film scored 10 Oscar nominations, winning six, including Best Editing for George Miller’s wife, Margaret Sixel. But beyond the awards, Fury Road proved that practical effects, real stunts, and original storytelling could still dominate in an era of CGI-heavy action films.
But how does it hold up nearly a decade later? Does Fury Road deserve a spot among the greatest action movies ever? And where does it sit in the Mad Max franchise compared to The Road Warrior and Beyond Thunderdome?
The BTW Verdict: An Action Masterpiece
With non-stop action, unforgettable characters, and some of the most visually stunning cinematography in movie history, Mad Max Fury Road is a must-watch for any action fan. Whether you’re revisiting it for the tenth time or experiencing it for the first, there’s no denying that this film is a relentless, high-octane thrill ride from start to finish.
Tune in to this week’s episode as we break down every explosive moment, debate the film’s legacy, and determine if Fury Road is the best Mad Max film yet. Don’t forget to leave a review, share the episode with fellow movie lovers, and share your thoughts on the film!
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!
📣 Join the conversation:
💬 Did Tom Hardy live up to Mel Gibson’s Max?
🔥 Is Fury Road a Mad Max movie or Furiosa’s origin story?
🚗 What’s the most insane stunt in the film?
Please drop us a voicemail at BornToWatch.com.au and be part of the show!
#MadMaxFuryRoad #MovieReview #BornToWatchPodcast #ActionMovies #CharlizeTheron #TomHardy #GeorgeMiller #FilmLover #WarRig #Valhalla #WitnessMe #MovieBuff #FilmPodcast #CinephileLife
Previous Episode

Weird Science (1985)
In this episode of Born to Watch, we take a wild ride back to 1985 for a Weird Science (1985) Review, where two geeky teens somehow manage to create the perfect woman with a little help from a computer, some questionable science, and a whole lot of 80s magic. But does this John Hughes cult classic still hold up today, or is it a relic best left in the past? Whitey, G Man, and Damo break it all down—the absurd plot, the unforgettable performances, and the film’s impact on pop culture.
From Oingo Boingo’s legendary theme song to the iconic Kelly LeBrock taking nerd wish-fulfillment to a whole new level, Weird Science is packed with classic 80s energy. But how does it fare when viewed through a modern lens? We debate the film’s over-the-top humor, its place in the John Hughes cinematic universe, and whether it’s truly a teenage fantasy or just plain ridiculous. And speaking of ridiculous—how about that scene-stealing performance from Bill Paxton as Chet? He might just be one of cinema’s most unforgettable older brothers.
And here’s a question for the real movie buffs: Did Mad Max 2 inspire Weird Science? With Vernon Wells reprising a very familiar role, it’s hard to ignore the similarities. We dig into the connections between the two films and how a Mad Max villain somehow ended up in this teenage comedy.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Born to Watch without some heated debates. Are Ian and Max the worst dweeb bullies in movie history? Did this film get overlooked in a stacked year of 80s cinema? And what was up with Gary’s infamous bar scene—comedic genius or a joke that went on way too long?
We also bring back the fan-favorite Hit Sleeper Dud segment, uncovering forgotten 1985 gems and taking a closer look at No Retreat, No Surrender, Fortress, and the bizarre misfire that was Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. Plus, we read some hilarious listener comments and break down why one fan thinks our Fight Club episode might just be the Dune: Part Two of our podcast.
And don’t miss the return of Whitey’s Kick Arse Credit Theme Song, only a quality jingle could make Gow's song this week better.
🎧 Listen now! And if you don’t, Chet might just turn you into a human turd
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Next Episode

Escape From New York (1981)
In this week’s episode of Born to Watch, the team dives deep into Escape from New York (1981), John Carpenter’s gritty, neon-lit vision of a crime-ridden future. With Kurt Russell cementing his status as an ‘80s action legend, this film delivers an unforgettable mix of tension, synth-driven suspense, and one of cinema’s most iconic antiheroes. It blends action, science fiction, and a bleak, dystopian aesthetic to create a story that has stood the test of time.
The crime rate has skyrocketed, chaos reigns, and the once-great city of New York has been transformed into a walled-off, maximum-security prison. In this dystopian nightmare, law and order have collapsed, and there are no guards—only the most ruthless criminals left to create their own lawless society. When Air Force One crash-lands in the middle of this urban war zone, only one man can retrieve the President: the legendary outlaw Snake Plissken.
But what makes Escape from New York such a beloved cult classic? Is it the film’s unique setting, where the ruins of Manhattan serve as a battleground for survival? Is it the stellar cast, including genre legends like Lee Van Cleef, Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasence, Harry Dean Stanton, and Isaac Hayes? Or is it Kurt Russell’s now-legendary portrayal of Snake Plissken—the ultimate reluctant hero with an eye patch, a growl, and an attitude?
Join Whitey, Damo, and Gow as they break down the many reasons this movie still holds up more than 40 years later. They explore Carpenter’s signature style, from his moody, synth-heavy score to his knack for world-building on a modest budget. The team also debates whether this is Carpenter’s best film or if The Thing still reigns supreme as his crowning achievement. And, of course, they take time to question the sheer insanity of some of the movie’s biggest moments—like the physics of Snake’s impossible glider landing on the World Trade Center.
If you’re a fan of ‘80s action flicks, you’ll love the deep dive into Escape from New York. The guys discuss how Carpenter’s vision of a crime-infested future eerily reflects New York City's real-life state in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. They also touch on how the film’s gritty, DIY aesthetic influenced countless dystopian movies that followed, from Mad Max to The Dark Knight Rises.
And what’s a Born to Watch episode without a few tangents? Expect plenty of laughs as the team reminisces about the weirdest VHS collections they’ve ever encountered, shares their thoughts on whether Snake Plissken is Kurt Russell’s greatest character, and revisits the debate of which version of New York is more terrifying—this one or the gang-filled streets of The Warriors.
Plus, there’s the essential question: Would you survive inside this version of New York? The guys put themselves in Snake’s boots and ponder how they’d fare in this lawless wasteland. Spoiler alert: things don’t look good for them.
So, strap on your eye patch, light up a cigarette, and fire up the John Carpenter synth soundtrack because this is one episode of Born to Watch you don’t want to miss!
Listen now!
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