Mystery and speculation have surrounded James Wan's Furious 7 ever since star Paul Walker's unexpectedly passing during filming. Questions surrounded the project as fans longed for answers as to how Walker's character would be handled.
While I can assure you that the situation was dealt with beautifully, I can also say that Furious 7 is by far the most crazy, intense and downright awesome entry into the nearly two-decade-old franchise.
Deckard Shaw, whose brother the gang dealt with during Fast & Furious 6, is seeking revenge on Dominic and company. Powerful and highly skilled in his own right, it will take the entire gang to fend off his advances as they work to stay alive and avenge Han's death. While the plot line provided the perfect opportunity to introduce action-star Jason Statham into the mix, it also helped drive home the franchise's most important message: the strength, power and important of family.
On top of the obvious, Wan makes sure to give fans exactly what they want as he overpowers them with cliché dialogue and ridiculous action sequences - all of which work to near flawless perfection. Hardly ever bridging on any element close to believability, the car chase scenes and stunts are a marvel to look at. But no one actually believes that any of it would ever really happen. A group of racers would drive out of an airplane and leave their fate to a parachute? Never. But still"¦its Furious 7"¦so we don't mind.
That being said, Furious 7 does entertain believability in the form of the relationships that have been created (and cultivated) over the last seven films. The cast, many of which have been around since the franchise's 2001 debut, share a strong bond that helps establish their place within the story. You believe their connection, witnessing their growth and understanding their history. It isn't anything crazy, or a leap of faith"¦you simply don't have to strain hard to see this group huddled around a table enjoying a pot roast, or even chugging a beer as they work their way through a rough, though hilarious game of Cards Against Humanity. They are family"¦and they sell that with every breath they take.
Wan has done a brilliant job at straddling the line, providing just enough heart to balance out the high-stakes action that drives fans crazy. At over two hours in length, it will be hard to find anyone who doesn't feel exhausted after this crazy paced thrill ride; though it is hard to complain when the last fifteen minutes is dedicated to a farewell that will have many reaching for the tissues.
Contrary to Vin Diesel's Best Picture prediction earlier this week Furious 7 is not going to win any awards come January. However, it is rare that an action film is able to keep the gas pedal down while displaying its soul for all to see.
