#REVIEW: “FURIOUS 7”

Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong

Fast & Furious, a storied Franchise that has outpaced its criticism, and outlasted the competition. At the onset it was little more than a millennial Rewrite of Kathryn Bigelow’s Point Break. Singleton’s chapter then went into overdrive and things took a turn for the worse… that is until Justin Lin and Tokyo Drift turned it all around.

Since Lin’s entry, the Franchise has found a space in Cinema that is irreplaceable. Dom and his Crew have become our kith and kin. We now look forward to April as it holds with it not only the hope of spring, but also the possibility of another Fast & Furious Film.

This April brings us perhaps the most important entry yet, seeing as it is the late Paul Walker’s last. The Film starts with Walker (as Brian O’Conner) struggling with his new found responsibilities as a Father. Having finally returned home he finds domestic life to be lacking in danger. Unbeknownst to him, Mia (Jordana Brewster) is pregnant again, and the secret is kept to sway his potential disappointment.

Meanwhile, over in Tokyo, Hahn’s drifting days draw to an abrupt end at the hands of Deckard Shaw. Shaw (Jason Statham) is eager for revenge, the reasons for which are a result of the Furious 7’s deeds in the sixth chapter. Dom, the Patriarch of the Fast Family, rallies Letty, Tej, Roman & Brian to enact a revenge plot of their own making.

To hunt the elder Shaw sibling they entrust the help of a ghost government agent: Mr. Nobody, (Kurt Russell). Nobody is their key to somebody of substantial import, a Hacker by the name of Ramsey, (Nathelie Emmanuel). Suffice it to say the Fast Family gets some new blood, and spills a few drops on their quest through the continents in cars of all kinds.

James Wan (Director of Saw & Insidious) weaves this detailed tapestry with the help of Chris Morgan. Morgan having written the Films since Tokyo Drift continues on with this story about the World’s greatest Racers and the World’s greatest Adventures. He has become the bard of this bold and beautiful Tale. The Drafter of ideas so ambitious that one must see them to believe them… and there is so much beauty to be seen in Furious 7!

What this Crew can do with a mixture of Stunts and CGI Camera Work is impressive to say the least. They have gone from taking super-charged rides through treacherous roads, all the way to a super sport whip through multiple buildings. They have also helped us adore a Cast of Characters and a type of action that can’t be found anywhere else. Action like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jason Statham going toe-to-toe and blow-for-blow. Action like Michelle Rodriquez fish-tailing over the edge of a cliff to save a friend. Action of all kinds that does everything but disappoint.

It also honors a Man who has been integral to the contemporary growth of the Action Genre, (i.e. Paul Walker). And if you’re a Fan of the Series, and the Man, the way he is retired from it all is heartwarming to say the least. Thanks Paul, Vin, Jordana, Michelle, Ludacris, Tyrese, James and the Crew. Here’s to another excellent example of the how rewarding an adrenaline fueled experience can be.  Hopefully it won’t be the last of its kind to bear the Fast & Furious Banner.

Universal Pictures Canada release Furious 7, in theatres now.