Movie Review: Furious 7

If you had told me in 2001 that this series could ever be steered this far and towards a different direction, I would have punched you in the face and called you a liar. Yet here we are, at the 7th installment of a franchise that was originally just about automotive fetish, fast cars, and, yes, the lovely girls. Fast Five changed the formula pretty much and things just got better and better and delivered the best of the franchise in the last three films - including this one. Furious 7 continued the rhythm they have developed that was fun to watch, and while the script was still a little stilted at times and the stunts a little absurd, the whole experience was very compelling. The entertainment level was incredibly high, the action sequences were deliciously over-the-top, and the direction on this one was skillfully done. The last five minutes were emotionally engaging and that made for a heartfelt ending for Paul Walker's character. Furious 7 wasn't a perfect film, but then again, it wasn't supposed to be. What it should be was special, and in that, it succeeded. Besides, how often can you get a quality film seven movies deep? Very rare. RIP Paul Walker. 9