The team is back together in the most wild, over-the-top, fun entry yet in the Fast & Furious franchise. Universal has found their superheroes.
The Fast & Furious franchise has long been a guilty pleasure of mine. I love the practical stunts, the cheesy one-liners, and the larger than life (literally), indestructible characters. Do any of the movies make any sense? No, but who cares. This franchise is built on delivering spectacular action/stunt sequences, great one liners, all the while promoting some strong themes about family. On all these points Furious 7 delivers, and first time action director James Wan (taking over for entries 3-6 helmer Justin Lin, Wan's career has mostly been in the horror corner of hollywood, delivering success stories such as The Conjuring and Insidious) hits it out of the park.
The film is also brings some unexpected dramatic heft to the table, especially in regards to the dark cloud looming over the picture with the passing of franchise favorite, Paul Walker. The film crew halted production for a month when Walker passed away, the studio nearly scrapping the film altogether. Let me say this: the task of finishing this movie strong, and in a way that would be respectful to Walker and his character, must have been nearly insurmountable. The movie as a whole feels like everyone brought their A-game for his send off, and it shows. Much respect to Universal for being willing to take the high road here.
The Fast & Furious films are an interesting series. The first three are really not that good. They were roughly constructed, desperately in need of a strong identity. Then they brought Vin Diesel back in a starring role for F4, drafted more old favorites back for F5, and now the movies have transformed into a brand that knows full well what it is, and that the filmmakers fully embrace. They're big, dumb, incredibly fun summer movies. Universal has somehow struck gold with this franchise, as the movies only continue to get better, more fun, and more ridiculous (not to mention lucrative. Furious 7 has already grossed over $1 billion worldwide as of this weekend). Is the writing awful? Yes, but it's supposed to be. Is the acting par for the course? Usually. Is the soundtrack streamed straight from U92? Maybe. And that's ok, it's all part of the charm - the brand that is the Fast & Furious movies.
I will say that if I have one major issue with these movies it's that they seem torn on how they want to portray women. Most of the women you see in these movies are scantily clad, simply there to appeal to whatever demographic Universal thinks they need to appeal to. It's dumb, distracting, and head-shakingly awkward. Contrast that with the one-note female characters that are tough, rough, and angry (but can only fight other women?) and you've got some mixed messages going on.
Furious 7 is a blast. If you go to the movies looking for a good time, you'll find it here. If you're looking for a story that makes sense, logic being followed, and real consequences of mindless actions being displayed, this movie isn't for you. There are less than two weeks until Avengers: Age of Ultron takes over the IMAX theaters, so I recommed you go fast. And furious.
Grade: B+
Rated PG-13 for insane action, moderate PG-13 level swearing, and three scenes showing scantily-clad women.
Image via Universal
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