B-
Superheroes do not exist. There are no men with heat ray eyes, no women that can control the weather, no webslingers or mutants. All are a part of a universe that can never exist in reality.
But heroes do exist.
The strength of the human spirit, both mental and physical, can be remarkable, and war is often the best example of such instances, both humane and inhumane.
The films that pay tribute to fallen soldiers and innocents give the public only a mere glimpse into the limitless dark void of hell.
Whether it’s delving into the darkest recesses of the human mind and witnessing the equally traumatizing results (“Schindler’s List,” “Night and Fog”), or showcasing the durability of courageousness and selflessness (“Paths of Glory”), cinema has tried its hardest to replicate the horrific consequences of greed and pride.
“Fury” is one film that attempts to do just that, but it stops short of the finish line.
One would not expect a dark, gritty war film from David Ayer, the man behind “End of Watch” and “Street Kings,” but the end result is a surprisingly competent and well-produced World War II feature, starring Brad Pitt and Shia Labeouf, no less.
“Fury,” like most films of its kind, has its share of war tropes, stereotypes and cliches. The “few against many” theme, the display of human loss, exaggerated stereotypes and melodramatic speeches — it’s all here.
Yet it knows how to hold itself back with subtlety and class for the most part. It throws effective scenes of violence and brutality without feeling tasteless, and dramatic sequences are potent and not drawn out to be preachy or awkward.
Everything here works to a high degree of quality: solid performances and exceptional and intense action sequences that catch the viewer off guard.
It’s what is needed in a war film, much less any action film.
However, the one thing that holds “Fury” back from being truly great is the absence of backstory for the main characters.
All the information that is given is that Wardaddy fought in Africa, the new recruit was an office clerk back home and the others consist of a Mexican, a Southern preacher and a redneck hillbilly.
It isn’t known if some of them have loved ones or business opportunities waiting for them. All of that contextual information is left to the imagination.
It’s a shame and a pity that “Fury” hits all the right marks — except for the one that matters most.
If that were not the case, it could’ve been the best World War II film in years. But as it is now, it’s merely an exceptional film that is well worth seeing.
All from the man that created “The Fast and the Furious.”
Go figure.
