The latest installment in the “Fast and Furious” franchise picks up right where the previous film left off. Last time we saw the crew was in 2013 when they got Letty back after she lost her memory and an injured Han toward the end.
According to BBC, “Furious 7” is the fastest film to make more than $1 billion in just 17 days, breaking box office records. So grab the popcorn and tissues because it’s going to be is an emotional, bumpy ride.
From the action-packed scenes of racing cars to the sentimental moments of family, ex-convict, Dom, and his team are back on the street for another mission.
This time around Jason Statham’s character, Deckard Shaw, wants revenge on Dom, played by Vin Diesel, and his team for their attack on his brother, Owen Shaw, played by Luke Evans.
The movie took a confusing turn when the audience was introduced to a Somali terrorist named Jakarde, who seemed like he was randomly thrown into the movie for an unexpected twist.
Jakarde is after a computer program called “God’s Eye,” and the team gets caught in the middle of it all when they have to save a hacker named Ramsey while making sure Jakarde doesn’t get his hands on the computer program.
It was exciting to see the entire team on the big screen once again. There were many romantic scenes that seemed corny at times between Dom and Letty, played by Michelle Rodriguez. Tyrese Gibson’s character, Roman, played the joker and filled the comedic moments of the movie.
It was heart wrenching every time the late Paul Walker came on screen. Many fans weren’t sure how the production of the movie would continue after star Paul Walker, who plays the role of Brian O’Conner, died in a car crash in November 2013.
Because he was only present for half of the movie’s production, many followers of the franchise thought his character would be killed off. But director James Wan did a brilliant job finishing his scenes while still respecting Walker’s performance.
Walker’s brothers Cody and Caleb Walker stepped in as doubles to play certain roles and other scenes were filmed using clips of him from the previous “Fast & Furious” movies along with computer-generated imagery.
When the movie was newly released, the most discussed aspect of it on social media was the heart breaking tribute to Walker at the end.
Although it was difficult to distinguish between Walker, his brothers, or computer graphics throughout the movie, it was obvious in the ending scene that it wasn’t actually Walker acting, but rather CGI effects.
News of his death had me sitting at the edge of my seat, wondering if every action scene would be Walker’s last.
As usual, the movie had high levels of unrealistic stunts that were on the verge of ridiculous, but by the same token that’s what makes the franchise so much fun and entertaining to watch.
Usually sequels in a franchise can get outdated and boring quickly, but “Furious 7” gives you a thrill and reaches new heights of raw intensity and emotion.
Although you don’t necessarily need to see the previous movies to understand the plot, it will make more sense to you if you are familiar with the characters and their stories. Regardless, “Furious 7” should be on everyone’s must-see list.
