Review of Furious 7

Initial Thought: I have been watching this series since it started. I have even seen Los Bandoleros. The first one honestly was my least favorite, but the sequels just keep getting better in my opinion. It's probably because I never used to be much of a fan of racing stories. So when they changed up the formula a bit for me it got more interesting. I really like the cast and the new additions in this one make me even more interested. Also have to watch this for the memory of Paul Walker. He was a really enjoyable actor to watch.

Characters/Acting: Well all of our main crew returns for this which I really like. Plus we get old friends showing up again as well as a few new ones. We also get some pretty cool new enemies as well. I have to say the line up here is truly a great selection. It's good to see Nathalie Emmanuel in something other than Game of Thrones! I love Iggy Azalea so I don't really care what others think. I can't wait to see her 5 seconds of screen-time haha. Even if it really does nothing for the story. I wish Tony Jaa and Ronda Rousey were in this more. They still get to do what they are good at but nothing really beyond that. Jason Statham as a villain is just wicked awesome. He is the kind of villain you just can't help but enjoy. Ludacris and Tyrese are still the great comedic duo they have been since they started working together. Nathalie was just as great as I thought. She is incredibly intelligent with all the right equipment if you get what I'm saying haha. Dwayne Johnson felt like a glorified cameo here. He was still fun and awesome to watch, but he just wasn't in it very much. Paul Walker is the heart and glue of this series he will be sorely missed. His send off was tastefully done. I sure hope they won't be thinking to put Lucas Black in his spot though. He was basically a cameo to link this with Tokyo Drift. Vin Diesel is awesome as usual and with his speech in the end I respect him even more. Everyone here did a wonderful and entertaining job.

Story: Well we have fast cars during car chases. We also have a brother out for revenge of those who put his brother in a coma. I mean this is a pure adrenaline action movie. The story only adds to the fun of the action. I don't get why the beginning starts off as if the end credit scene of the last movie hadn't happened. I found that a little bit odd. They probably changed up the continuity because of Paul Walker though. I have to admit the stunts here are completely ridiculous in reality, but they are always quite fun to watch. Who cares about physics! We have car chases, badass hand and weapon combat, and some pretty great shootouts. Although the matched up fights here would have the heroes win if they were fair fights. The ending was beautiful and a great tribute to a wonderful actor. If they still go through with making the next sequels it's going to be so different. The atmosphere of the whole thing just feels like it will have a great big empty hole.

Directing/Writing: Gary Scott Thompson is behind all the characters from this series except the Tokyo Drift film. He is also the guy who unfortunately made the Hollow Man films possible. Chris Morgan wrote the previous 4 films so this guy is really grabbing my attention. He even brought us Wanted and 47 Ronin. The guy worked with Jason Statham on Cellular as well not the best movie, but it was watchable. James Wan one of the most mainstream horror directors takes on an action film. I have to say this is really an interesting choice. I loved Dead Silence and enjoyed The Conjuring. Even Saw (he only wrote the third part, but I loved that one too) and Insidious: Chapter 2 were good. I'm not a big fan of Lin Shaye though. I really wish he would stop giving her work. It shall be interesting to see his take on the Fast & Furious saga. They did a great job with body doubles and CGI because I couldn't ever tell what scenes Paul Walker wasn't actually there for. That is a pretty impressive feat. I honestly don't even want to know. For a horror director to make something this great is incredible. He truly captured the essence of the Fast & Furious family. I really have mad respect for the director that never worked in the franchise to make the most enjoyable entry.

Final Thought: I have to admit I teared up with the tribute for Paul Walker. It was Vin Diesel not Dom giving the speech at the end, but it still worked for the film. Just as I expected this one topped the last one by far. This is a fun action packed thrill ride with a message at it's heart. Keep your family close and love them no matter what. You never know what will happen next. For fans of the series if you haven't seen it yet you should. I also think fans of Paul Walker should check it out too for the tribute. It's going to be hard to imagine this saga without it's heart, but I will watch them hoping they don't try to put someone in his spot. Anyways I absolutely enjoyed this movie.