Movie Review: Fury

Directed by David Ayer, Fury is an American war drama that chronicles the adventures of one sergeant and his four-man tank crew deep in the heart of Nazi Germany. But does it cement itself as anything more than a typical war story? I’m not so sure.

First off, Fury is singlehandedly kept afloat because of Brad Pitt’s terrific performance. Looking appropriately weary and aged, Pitt commands every inch of the screen and I completely bought him as a hardened Staff Sargeant with one goal: to kill a whole lot of Nazis. Sometimes when you’re dealing with a star as huge as Pitt, it can be distracting to separate the pop culture phenomenon from the actor. I had the same doubts before watching Angelina Jolie in Maleficent, but I’m pleased to report that much like his wife, Pitt kicks ass. There’s a reason these two have such acclaimed careers, and it’s because above everything else, they’re incredible performers. So yes, Pitt is a standout here, and Fury is his film. Outstanding.

However, while Fury is a raw and savage exploration of war, I was left wanting something more. Maybe it’s the fact that the film was missing a sense of urgency. A film like The Impossible had me on the edge of my seat throughout, constantly wondering if our characters would make it out alive. On the other hand, I did not fear for the lives of the Fury cast. In fact, the only person I connected to on Don’s team was Norman, a young army typist who is suddenly thrust into the front lines as the tank’s assistant driver. With a top-notch performance by Logan Lerman, Norman acts as our eyes and ears inside the tank, and you genuinely find yourself rooting for him to survive. Furthermore, his dynamic with Pitt’s Don is the film’s most developed relationship, and it’s one that undergoes a predictable albeit intriguing path.

Special mention has to be made of the set design. This is one gorgeously-realized film. Every single detail is accounted for, and it all looks spectacular on screen. Much like Interstellar, the musical score by Steven Price is a stirring creation that skilfully elevates specific moments into new heights. Price previously won the Academy Award for his stellar work in Gravity, and his compositions in Fury are equally masterful.

But I gotta ask, what was up with those red and green lasers? Apparently, bullet tracers are historically accurate, but I couldn’t help myself from constantly flashing back to Star Wars. It was certainly bizarre to say the least.

 Conclusion
Fury is a violent and visceral combat film. While it doesn’t exactly offer anything new, it’s still worth watching thanks to a number of thrilling moments and a powerhouse turn by Brad Pitt.

Nad Rating
B