Review: ‘Furious 7’ gives fans everything they want and then some (Includes first-hand account)

When the first film premiered in 2001, there was a lot of uncertainty whether The Fast and the Furious would launch a successful franchise — a theory the second film did not do much to refute as it focused on only one-half of the dynamic duo that propelled the original. Though none of the early characters appear in the third film, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift breathed new life into the franchise. The fourth film‘s reunion unleashed a can of NOS and it hasn’t slowed down since. In Furious 7, the story is looping in on itself and doing everything required of a successful series.

Brian (Paul Walker) and Mia (Jordanna Brewster) have settled into domestic bliss, though he still longs for the thrilling days of old. Dominic (Vin Diesel) and Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) are glad to be together again, but she still struggles with her memory loss. However all sense of content is shattered when Owen Shaw’s brother, Deckard (Jason Statham), decides to avenge his brother’s near death. Beginning with Han (Sung Kang) in Tokyo, he begins to track down the members of the team who hospitalized his brother. With Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) out of commission, the team pairs with a ghost operative (Kurt Russell) to retrieve a hacker (Nathalie Emmanuel) and her one-of-a-kind surveillance tech from an arms dealer (Djimon Hounsou), which will allow them to go on the offense.

Going further than any other film in the franchise, the characters in this picture change cars almost as often as their wardrobes. Two-hundred-and-thirty of the 340 cars used in the film were damaged to some extent, owing in large part to the majority of the action sequences being created practically with only 10 per cent of the stunts relying on CGI. This means they really did drop those five cars from a Hercules plane. This picture also has the most expensive car ever featured in the series: the Lykan HyperSport. There are only seven of the Middle Eastern supercars in existence and each is valued at approximately $3.4 million — it’s the gorgeous machine seen flying between buildings. Other cars include variations of Dom’s Dodge Charger, a Dodge Challenger R/T, Plymouth ‘Cuda, Aston Martin DB9 and Bugatti Veyron.

These movies have never been known for strong storylines and this one is no different. The revenge plot is simple and allows everyone involved to do what they do best. This story actually takes place right after Tokyo Drift, placing the events of that film between the sixth installment and this one. Horror director James Wan shows he can adapt his attention to detail to a different type of adrenaline-inducing fair, continuing the tradition of high-intensity action. Fans laugh out loud at the sometimes cheesy lines, but it’s all intentional as filmmakers gear every aspect to their targeted audience. When the team pulls off an insanely difficult trick, applause rings through the theatre. The final act is slightly inflated, involving helicopters, street chases, a drone and multiple explosions, but it still fits in with the overall tone.

All of the actors mentioned, as well as Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris and Lucas Black, play their characters flawlessly. Most are reprising roles they clearly enjoy and their dedication to the franchise is visible. It’s been suggested Russell will return for the eighth movie and based on his involvement in this picture it would be welcomed. Mr. Nobody is a fantastic personality to which the actor lends his signature charm, reminiscent of some of his earlier, iconic parts. He fits in well to the franchise and many will look forward to seeing more of him in the future.

Conversely, there is one person who will tragically not be returning. Walker was killed in a car accident before the film was completed. His brothers, who all bear a striking resemblance to each other, joined the production to ensure the film could be finished. The picture’s conclusion is heartbreaking as the character and actor are commemorated within the context of the film, which is followed by a montage dedicated to his memory.

Director: James Wan
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Jason Statham

Similar Posts

  • Review: ‘Knives Out’ keeps the mystery alive with a classic whodunit (Includes first-hand account)

    A great murder mystery keeps audiences guessing, even as the suspect pool shrinks and all evidence points to one person — there’s always that shadow of a doubt the narrative clings to and nurtures. Whodunits are always fun to watch, or even play, because they rely on so many senses and skills, from keen observation and attention to detail to gut instincts. Moreover, the characters are generally over-the-top personalities who almost always have a motive linked to greed, revenge or both. Then there’s the shrewd detective tasked with solving the crime à la Sherlock Holmes. Knives Out delivers all these elements in an intriguing, yet funny package.

  • Review: ‘Sisters’ not only seducing cops with their charm (Includes first-hand account)

    It’s at a snail’s pace, but things in Hollywood are gradually shifting in favour of female performers, characters and creators. Women directors are taking the helm and movies with all-female leads are appearing on the marquee more often. Statistics show films with these attributes perform well at the box office so hopefully studio-thinking will catch up with feminism sooner rather than later and start giving these projects the green light. In the meantime, it’s up to a select few to lead the charge. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler‘s Sisters is one of these pictures.

  • Review: ‘A Better Man’ is one of Hot Docs’ most stirring films (Includes first-hand account)

    At any given moment, approximately one-third of the women in a room will have experienced some form of abuse or trauma. This is a societal issue that does not appear to be going away and and in a culture that still asks what she did to cause it, self-blame and shame come part and parcel with the physical and/or emotional scars. But there are multiple avenues of support now and many opportunities to heal, though one never really forgets. In A Better Man, more than 20 years after ending their abusive relationship, a couple is reunited to process all that occurred between them.

  • Review: ‘Bridge of Spies’ is a stirring but welcome crossing (Includes first-hand account)

    Regardless of one’s opinions of Steven Spielberg or Tom Hanks, when the two come together to make a film there’s generally little doubt that it will be good. The topics of their collaborations have varied over the years from the war to immigration to a clever criminal. In Bridge of Spies, they add espionage to the list, though the actor thankfully is not the one sneaking around stealing government secrets.