Fury

"Best Job I Ever Had"

            War is hell. That statement has been done to death throughout film history but it is a fact that needs not reiterated. World War II was hell, no secret there. We've seen in it in many heart-wrenching movies that take us into the lives of soldiers whether they be based off real events or a fictional ode to history. Fury stands alone in this category of historical fiction based off the U.S. 2nd Armored Division. You loved Saving Private Ryan. We all did. It's a phenomenal story that took audiences into a pivotal moment in wartime history and introduced us to the real horror that lies overseas. Now here it is, the best war film since Spielberg's. Fury is brotherhood from start to finish and latches on to what is the most difficult to swallow.

            This film is nothing more than blast after blast of action. There is nothing funny about it. Actually it is more touching than anything. Believe me, these guys have seen the worst of the worst. That's easy to say. What's hard to say though is how they continued to wake up every morning. Writer/Director David Ayer (Training Day, End of Watch) sets focus on the horizon ahead and does not stop until he's ready to fire. His cast of soldiers dwarfs that of Lone Survivor and can be put in the books as Shia LaBeouf's shining moment. But more of that later.

             Brad Pitt is back in Germany. Killin' Nazis  (instead of the "nA-tseez" in Inglourious Basterds). There is no shame in absolutely embodying the part of a seasoned soldier that loves nothing more than his country. We've seen him master it before and he sure is at it again.
             With the nickname "Wardaddy," Don Collier has been the commander of the American tank "Fury" for quite awhile now and knows his crew inside and out and vice versa.

"...and now I've got you."

            Collier runs into a bit of frustration with his new assistant driver and turret operator, Pvt. Norman Ellison (a heartfelt Logan Lerman, Perks of Being a Wallflower). As with every new guy thrown to the wolves, hazing is a must and maturity is to be had. Lerman is the face of innocence and great ignorance. He shows how he can handle an intense setting and proves a new versatility with this role.

            Tanks are huge and can do big damage but there doesn't seem to be much to them. Of course, that all depends on the crew running it. Collier's men are vulgar, gritty, and hard. They mesh with Fury like it has raised them to do so. Alongside Wardaddy and Norman are as follows: Boyd "Bible" Swan, Trini "Gordo" Garcia, and Grady "Coon-Ass" Travis.

L to R: LaBeouf, Lerman, Pitt, Pena, Bernthal. Home Sweet Home.

            Shia LaBeouf has completely transformed since his days on the Disney Channel and now he heads up the best supporting cast since last year's heavily nominated American Hustle. He mans Fury's main cannon as "Bible" Swan (you can probably guess how he got his nickname). This performance pulls the trigger with passion that bleeds through every pore with full speed emotion and control from every single angle.

            Michael Pena (End of Watch, Shooter) takes the wheel as "Gordo" Garcia, Fury's fearless driver. He provides subtle comic relief and a south of the border flare that is uncommon with films of this nature. Then there's Jon Bernthal (The Wolf of Wall Street, The Walking Dead) as "Coon-Ass" Travis who heads up the ammunition and assists "Bible" with the cannon. His loud mouth may drive you insane but don't let that fool you.

            The jaw-dropping adrenaline rush that comes with seeing Fury will seek and destroy those who are willing to witness. The writing, direction, and cinematography, is everything you need to complete the deal. Fury has provided this generation with a new classic and this year's Oscar contenders something to look up to. Sorry supporting actors, LaBeouf might already have this one in the bag. GRADE: 9.2/10