This is First-Rate Entertainment

Rating: 9/10 (7 April 2015)

Reviewed by: Dare Devil Kid (DDK)
Rating: 4.6/5 stars
Serving up a fresh round of over-the-top thrills while adding unexpected dramatic heft, "Furious 7" keeps the franchise moving in more ways than one. Continuing the global exploits in this unstoppable franchise built on speed; Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson lead the returning cast of this chapter directed by James Wan that also welcomes back favorites Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, and Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, along with Elsa Pataky and Lucas Black in special appearances. They are joined by international action stars new to the franchise including Jason Statham, Djimon Hounsou, Tony Jaa, Ronda Rousey, and Kurt Russell.
This time around Dominic Torretto and his crew finally think they've left the criminal mercenary life behind after being granted full, government-sanctioned pardons for their hand in defeating international terrorist Owen Shaw. But now, Shaw's brother, Deckard Shaw is out for vengeance, and orchestrates a series of attacks on the crew, resulting in the death of a key member, and leaving another gravely wounded. Worse, a Somalian terrorist called Jakarde, and a shady government official called Mr. Nobody are both competing to steal a computer program called God's Eye, that can hack into any technological device around the world within mere seconds. Torretto must reconvene with his team to stop Shaw and retrieve the God's Eye program while caught in a power struggle between terrorists and the United States government.
"Furious 7" is, without a vestige of doubt, the best chapter in the franchise - no two ways about it. The production is all about raising the stakes to top the erstwhile entries, and boy does it succeed in doing so! Even though this installment is as zippy, playful, and amiably preposterous as the previous two models (the analogy with parts 5 and 6 are being made considering they were hitherto the best in the series), it still feels bigger, faster, funnier, and yes, more touching. The action and chase sequences are visceral and triumphant with the film boasting the craziest stunts, campiest dialogue, warmest of most warm fellowships of any entry yet. The sequels have grown progressively outrageous but they've shrewdly embraced a semi- comedic style, and this has only served to benefit the series - the way this gang cheats death in the Fast & Furious milieu is closer to the rules that govern cartoons like the "Looney Toons" and "Wile E. Coyote and The Road Runner". Kudos to Director James Wan (who now turns his sights towards action after earning his place as a horror auteur, and comes out with flying colors) and his stunt team for pulling out all the stops in their quest to deliver a complete package of no-holds- barred, gleefully outrageous action sequences that make the movie feel so transcendent and fantastically entertaining. Just when you think they've gone as far over-the-top as possible, they do a whole bunch of more unimaginable, crazy stuff.
Anyway, these films were never meant to be emotionally deep or boast incredible acting and nuanced plot lines - and anyone expecting such things is either just plain inane or needs to acknowledge that the franchise isn't their cup of tea. That being said, "Furious 7" ends up having some surprisingly touching subtexts concerning family - not necessarily people united by blood, but by loyalty and friendship. The camaraderie here is stronger than it has ever been. And though the performances aren't going to lay claim to any acting honors by any stretch of the imagination, it's the authentic chemistry of the entire cast, their wittily delivered one-liners, and the magnetic star appeal of the likes of Diesel and Johnson that lend melody to the film's relentless beat.
Most importantly, "Furious 7" could have easily come across as morbid and schmaltzy, but it's not until the very end that we're reminded of Paul Walker's fate, and the filmmakers handle it with taste and respect. An additional scene - obviously shot and juxtaposed after Walker's sad demise - before the end credits roll pays a fine tribute to Walker and his impact on the series, and more significantly his bond with the rest of the cast. If this is the final entry of the franchise, then it's a perfect ode not just to the series, but to the life of the late Paul Walker as well. By the end of it all, I challenge any regular follower of these movies to keep their tears at bay. Anyway, despite having a whale of a time, one does get the feeling that they should just stop now and leave on a high note, instead of ruining it all by overdoing a really good thing.
Explosive, spellbinding, and surprisingly touching, "Furious 7" is a fitting farewell to Paul Walker and probably to the franchise, too. Simply put, "Furious 7" is one of the biggest, loudest, zaniest, and "holy crap that was incredible!!!" action movies ever.