Film Review: Furious 7
Synopsis
Deckard Shaw seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto and his family for his comatose brother.My Musings
Furious 7. Where to begin. I am a big fan of the series surprisingly! And a bigger fan of Paul Walker. So it was bittersweet going to see his last film before his untimely death. The hype has been HUGE and I really hoped it was not exaggerated. Honestly, it didn't start well with a random car race but past that we then really get into the story line. Jason Stratham is coming for the whole crew to avenge his baby brother from Fast and Furious 6. What follows is a mind blowing roller coaster ride of action adventure. This film gives you a white knuckle ride that blows all competition this year out of the water. There is so much in this film to comment on its mind boggling.The cast is AMAZING. The original cast has great chemistry and the baddies are suitably kick ass. The driving stunts, well is should go without saying, are AWESOME. Paul Walker's stunts and nearly going of a cliff was classic edge of your seat stuff. Also Shout out for Tony Jaa, who's martial arts stunts are extraordinarly wild. There is also a great fun fight sequence between Michelle Rodriguez and Ronda Rousey in evening dress no less. Love seeing femail actresses been given feisty roles and Michelle really gives it her all. Stratham does his growly thing and is an excellent foil to Vin Diesal even more gravelly voice. Must mention The Rock and Kurt Russell who played smaller roles but both relished the screen time by hamming it up with a straight face. (I have to say I giggled throughout at the sheer outrageousness of it all.Just loved all the humour and insane lines!) What is so clever and on the money is that it is so tongue in cheek they get away with it. Also must mention, I have never seen so many cars fly before!! Out of planes, from building to building. You have to see it to believe it! Its all totally bonkers and over the top and I loved every minute of it. If you want escapism this it the film for you.
On a poignant note I liked it gave each of the main cast a chance to shine with some great repartee and quieter emotive scenes which add really pathos when they are with Paul Walker. I was astonished that the team managed to put Paul Walker throughout the film which was absolutely necessary. The wonders of technology is scarily good although James Wan, the director did say he had to use every trick in the book. James Wan handles this film with a light but firm touch while giving the film a great message about the importance of sticking by family and friends.
Full credit to the commitment of cast and crew, especially Vin Diesel who is the lynch pin of the film, for finishing a wonderfully entertaining film under horrendous circumstances of not only losing a main character but also a friend. They have given Paul Walker a truly fitting send off. The last scenes are extremely poignant and sensitively handled. Not mawkish or treacly. Seeing Paul Walker and Vin Diesel in the last scenes reminiscent of how their great partnership had started 7 films ago left a a tear, Ok more than one : ( , in my eye for the loss of a truly beautiful and talented actor.
