George Miller proves he's still a master of action scenes and car chases with the adrenaline-fueled Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, setting the stage for more Mad Max movies. Alyla Browne shines as young Furiosa, but Anya Taylor-Joy is woefully miscast as the adult Furiosa, compromising the second half of the film. Chris Hemsworth is gleefully excellent as Dementus, and the makeup and production design is immaculate.

George Miller returns to his post-apocalyptic wasteland of despots, desperation, and bloody vengeance in a roaring prequel that doesn't try to replicate its magnificent predecessor. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a vastly different animal than the non-stop, practical effects adrenaline rush of Fury Road. A more conventional, chapter-driven narrative frames an epic battle over limited resources as grotesque villains clamor for action-packed supremacy. What's missing? Star Anya Taylor-Joy is nearly mute in a surprisingly downbeat performance. She's the film's weakest link,...