Review of Fast & Furious 7 (2015)

General Information

• Director: James Wan
• Main Cast:
  • Vin Diesel (Dominic Toretto)
  • Paul Walker (Brian O’Conner)
  • Dwayne Johnson (Luke Hobbs)
  • Michelle Rodriguez (Letty Ortiz)
  • Tyrese Gibson (Roman Pearce)
  • Ludacris (Tej Parker)
  • Jason Statham (Deckard Shaw)
  • Jordana Brewster (Mia Toretto)
• Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime
• Runtime: 137 minutes

Plot

Fast & Furious 7 continues the high-octane saga of Dominic Toretto and his crew as they face a new threat in the form of Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), a dangerous mercenary seeking vengeance for the events of the previous film. Shaw’s relentless pursuit of the team forces them to come out of hiding and take on increasingly dangerous missions to protect themselves and their loved ones. Meanwhile, Brian O’Conner, now a father, struggles with his desire to leave the life of crime behind while still remaining loyal to his family. The film also addresses the emotional aftermath of Paul Walker’s real-life passing, which lends the movie a poignant and heartfelt undercurrent as the franchise pays tribute to Walker’s character.

Highlights

1. Paul Walker’s Final Performance
   • Fast & Furious 7 is a bittersweet farewell to Paul Walker, whose character, Brian O’Conner, is central to the emotional weight of the film. Walker’s performance, marked by a sense of finality and reflection, adds a deep emotional layer to the action-packed narrative. The film’s closing tribute to Walker, particularly the “See You Again” song by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth, is both moving and memorable.
2. Action Sequences and Stunts
   • As with its predecessors, Fast & Furious 7 delivers exhilarating action and outrageous stunts. From cars parachuting out of planes to high-speed chases through city streets and the epic skyscraper sequence in Abu Dhabi, the film raises the bar in terms of action spectacle. The practical effects and CGI work together seamlessly, making these sequences visually impressive and thrilling.
3. Introduction of Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw
   • Jason Statham is a formidable addition to the cast, bringing a menacing presence and physicality to the role of Deckard Shaw. As a relentless villain, he provides a worthy adversary for the team, balancing the film’s action with a personal vendetta that ties directly into the events of the previous films. His fight scenes with both Vin Diesel and Paul Walker are intense and memorable.
4. Emotional Core
   • While the film is known for its adrenaline-fueled action, its emotional heart lies in the theme of family. The bond between the Toretto crew is at the forefront, with the film highlighting themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the idea of family being more than just blood. This is amplified by the loss of Paul Walker, giving the film a unique, heartfelt resonance.
5. Visually Stunning Locations
   • The film takes audiences to various exotic locales, including Abu Dhabi, Los Angeles, and the streets of Tokyo, adding a global scale to the action. The scenes in Abu Dhabi, particularly the sequence involving luxury cars driving between skyscrapers, are visually spectacular.

Criticisms

1. Formulaic Plot
   • While the film excels in action and emotional moments, the plot itself is fairly formulaic, with a predictable structure involving revenge, chase sequences, and confrontations. For some viewers, the reliance on these familiar tropes may detract from the overall narrative depth.
2. Exaggerated Action
   • As with many entries in the Fast & Furious series, the action sequences are increasingly over-the-top. Some of the stunts, particularly those involving cars defying the laws of physics, may stretch the audience’s suspension of disbelief, even within the context of the franchise’s established tone.

Verdict

Fast & Furious 7 is an emotionally charged, action-packed chapter in the Fast & Furious saga. It serves as a fitting tribute to Paul Walker while delivering the high-energy thrills that fans have come to expect from the franchise. The combination of exhilarating stunts, a powerful emotional core, and a memorable performance from the late Walker makes this film stand out as one of the most heartfelt entries in the series. Despite a predictable plot and exaggerated action, the film succeeds in delivering a satisfying conclusion to the story arc while setting the stage for future installments.

Rating: 8/10