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?

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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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1999 is often hailed as one of the greatest years in cinema history, and in this episode of Born to Watch, we’re diving deep into one of its most iconic and controversial films with our Fight Club (1999) Movie Review. David Fincher’s mind-bending psychological thriller took audiences on a chaotic ride through identity, masculinity, and anti-consumerist rebellion. With unforgettable performances from Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter, Fight Club became a cult phenomenon—despite its initial box office struggles. But does it still hold up 25 years later? Whitey, G-Man, and Morgz break all the rules to find out.

David Fincher’s Fight Club was a film unlike anything audiences had seen before, with its nihilistic themes, psychological twists, and underground chaos. Starring Edward Norton as the insomniac narrator and Brad Pitt in one of his most iconic roles as the enigmatic Tyler Durden, this film took audiences on a mind-bending journey through identity, masculinity, and rebellion against consumer culture. But did it resonate with all three of our hosts? Or did one of them somehow make it to 2024 without having seen this cinematic juggernaut in its entirety? (Looking at you, G-Man.)

From analysing the film’s mind-blowing twist to questioning whether Fight Club is really about toxic masculinity or a critique of modern-day disillusionment, the boys dive deep into the film’s layered themes. They also explore the intense performances—Norton’s transformation from passive observer to chaotic instigator, Pitt’s peak charisma as Durden, and Helena Bonham Carter’s brilliantly unhinged Marla Singer. And, of course, there’s a tribute to Meat Loaf and his legendary portrayal of Bob with the biggest set of, well… you know.

Other highlights include:
✔️ The iconic red leather jacket—did Morgz really wear one in San Francisco, and did it get him more attention than Brad Pitt himself?
✔️ Fincher’s visual style—how Fight Club still looks like it could be released today and stand out among modern films.
✔️ The cult following—how Fight Club bombed at the box office but became one of the most beloved films of its generation.
✔️ Does the ending actually make sense, or is the bullet to the head a little too conveniently survivable?
✔️ The hilarious yet disturbing impact of splicing single frames into family-friendly films—something Tyler Durden (and Fincher himself) seemed to enjoy doing.
✔️ Would you answer Chloe’s call for help? (Yes, it’s exactly what you think.)

With plenty of laughs, off-the-rails banter, and a whole lot of admiration for Fincher’s filmmaking, this Fight Club review is one for the books. Whether you’re a first-time viewer like G-Man or a long-time fan like Whitey and Morgz, this episode breaks down everything that makes Fight Club one of the most talked-about films in modern cinema.

Tune in now—just don’t talk about it. (Or, actually, please do. Tell your mates. Share it. Fight Club’s rules don’t apply here.)

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

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