Paul Walker Would Be Proud

Rating: 7/10 (6 April 2015)

The Fast and Furious franchise is one that you cannot review objectively and in a serious manner. The films defy logic, reason and realism. It's a great job that they are damn entertaining then. The franchise never found its steering until 2011's 'Fast Five'. Strange that it has taken them five attempts to get it right. But with this, the seventh instalment they perfect it. The series has not changed so much, if anything it has gotten louder, dumber and more in your face than ever before. The creators realised that the plot is unimportant, what the audience values is inspired set pieces that go against the laws of physics, fast cars, and hot women and now it seems, characters that we very much care about. 'Fast and Furious 7' is a success that I am sure will qualify as the most outrageously entertaining film of the year.
As soon as 'Fast and Furious 7' revs up its engine, it never stalls. This instalment begins right after the events of 'Fast and Furious 6' and 'Tokyo Drift', where Hans was killed by Deckard Shaw. He introduces himself through the immortal lines "Dominic Toretto. You don't know me, but you're about to". Deckard is after the crew who hospitalised his brother Owen and left him comatose in the previous film. Toretto played by the grizzly Vin Diesel, assembles his crew made up of Brian O'Connor (the likable Paul Walker in sadly his last film role), Letty (the feisty Michelle Rodriguez), Roman (a funny Tyrese Gibson), Tej (a bubbly Ludicrous) and Hobbs (the exhilarating Dwayne Johnson.) They are asked by a character that only refers to himself as Mr Nobody (an engaging Kurt Russell) to retrieve a device known as the God's Eye. It has the ability to track down anyone on the planet anywhere, within hours. The team need this device to find Deckard Shaw before he causes further devastating, destruction in his wake. But this hardly seems necessary as wherever the crew goes Shaw follows swiftly behind. Of course, it is a plot device with little importance to the overall arch of the story; it's only purpose to loosely connect a plot and allow for the madness and mayhem to unfold before our unbelieving eyes.
In the first of many (Fast and Furious) set pieces we see Hobbs up against Deckard Shaw. Jason Statham does so well as the villain that it makes you wonder why he has been cast as a hero of a story so many times before. The action is very different and James Wan's technique is more frenetic, less polished and very gritty as opposed to Justin Lin's stylish approach. Even fans of 'The Bourne Trilogy' and the work of Paul Greengrass will have to hold onto their seat for dear life. Thankfully, it is always cohesive, just don't blink. The camera follows the movements of characters with ease and makes these fights far more entertaining than they have any right to be.
Some may be disappointed by Dwayne Johnson's absence from the film for the most part. As he only appears at the start and the very end of the film. This however did not detract from the overall experience, as the scenes he does get are undoubtedly some of the craziest, insane and best for his character. So for me it did not matter in the slightest. If anything, it was a good thing as it allowed for more comradery between Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, reminding the audience that best friends are for life and your loved ones never truly leave you. Later in the film, Brian O'Connor tells Dominic Toretto that "cars don't fly". Toretto stares at him in a disapproving manner and proceeds to crash a Billionaire's Sports Car through two or more skyscrapers. Don't ask why. It does not even matter. You are so caught up in the moment that you forget plausibility.
The dialogue in the film always allows for the characters to connect in many different ways be it; serious, funny and even (whisper it) deeply moving. Roman and Tej have no shortage of playful banter. Brian O'Connor and his wife Mia (a spectacular Jordana Brewster) convey emotion, depth and meaningful moments. They don't feel cheesy, even when they discuss the importance of friendship and family. Thank goodness, the director and the screenwriter got this right. Paul Walker's scenes with Vin Diesel boast the best connection between two characters in a very long time indeed. You are never left in any doubt that they were best friends in front of the camera and behind it as well.
I have never heard of a film having two Directors of Photography, but 'Fast and Furious 7' does. The film is so staggeringly beautiful that I do not think one cinematographer would be able to convey such a high level of beauty in the exotic locales. The score by Brian Tyler gets the adrenaline pumping and the tear ducts flowing. Especially in the meaningful and moving 'See You Again' by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth, what a beautiful tribute to Paul Walker, even listening to it now, I cannot stop crying. Who knew a film about cars and heists could be so powerful and tear jerking.
'Fast and Furious 7' is by far the best instalment in the series. No small feat, when up against the fifth and sixth entries. The action is awesome, the stunts gravity defying and the cast pitch perfect. The script is great, the characters well developed and Paul Walker's send-off makes 'Fast and Furious 7' the most beautiful, poetic and emotional film I have seen in my life. I have no hesitation in stating that 'Fast and Furious 7' is perfect summer blockbuster entertainment and a masterpiece. So strap yourself in for the best ride yet. Rest in Peace Paul Walker. You would be Proud.