Paying respect when and where it’s due, The Fast
and the Furious franchise deserves all the praise it can take on. When you
think they’ve ran out of fresh ideas, you’re humbled as they continuously
surprise you, providing the next global threat of destruction. Directed by one
of the greatest men behind the camera in the past twenty plus years, F. Gary
Gray (Friday, The Negotiator, Straight Outta Compton) not only
crafts a superb film, but easily one of the best features in this arc of films.
What’s most impressive is how they all tie together, and despite being known as
a throw away, non-stop action popcorn flick, the root of it all feels like
being part of a loving family. There aren’t too many properties that can
accomplish what’s been done here since it all started in 2001, and if the
studio keeps this pace, these films can continue to flourish well on into the
future.
Prior to this release, my personal favorite in this
slew of films was part 6. Part seven was a complete misfire to say the least,
but it’s completely understandable that the script had problems due to Paul
Walker’s (RIP Brother) untimely passing. The issue wasn’t with the
script, but some of the stunts were too ridiculous to bear. Everyone loves over
the top action at times, but still want it to stay in the lines of possible reality
in a perfect world. That’s why a majority of these movies are so entertaining.
Living on the edge in a world of chaos, that’s only likely possible in a dream
state. Though when Dom (Vin Diesel) and Deckard (Jason Statham)
drive full speed ahead towards each other to crash, then hop out the car with
no scratches to engage in a fist fight, it starts to get ridiculous.
This is not to say that every stunt in the new
release was pulled off with perfection, but it was darn close and laugh out
loud entertaining. There are a number aspects in the film that makes it hard to
distinguish your favorite. Ranging from the classic street racing of exotic
cars to traveling the world to various locations, giant guns with massive
bullets, hand to hand martial arts, and explosions that can compete with Michael
Bay. And it’s all balled up in a way that’s fresh and new. With a budget of
$250,000,000, it’s well warranted, giving the creator the strength to do
anything they’d want, and every dollar is well spent. The story is an ongoing
saga, that doesn’t disappoint with constant twists and turns. Every time you
think you’re ahead, the script lets you know you’re five steps behind. The
family feeling comes from the chemistry of the entire cast. Even with them not
all being biologically related, the trust they have with one another can’t be
diminished. They’re like the super hero team of fast cars and crime that
doesn’t want the job, but knows it’s their duty.
What’s also fascinating is there is still so much
more to go with the story, with a great ending to cap it off, leaving the door
wide open for more sequels. Each film in the past is rich, and as a new one is
produced, the writer takes full advantage of past films while thickening the
plot far beyond what you’d imagine. Dom has gone rouge with his team distraught
as to why, and the writing behind this plot device couldn’t have been any
better. I understood where all sides were coming from, giving them just cause
to stay in the fight. Even with the villain choice of actions, her end goal was
honorable, but the methods were horrific. Though villains are only great when
they wholeheartedly feel they’re right, and Cipher (Charlize Theron)
knocks her role out of the park.
If you know what you’re getting into, there’s
nothing in the film to complain about. It gives you everything you’d want and
more. The action is unbelievable, it’s funny when it needs to be, you care
about the characters, and the plot is solid. Even when it does get over the top
(and it does), it’s all in fun with the studio being self-aware and advising
you to just sit back and take it. All you can do is laugh at how far they go,
and it pumps you up to want even more. In my opinion The Fate of the Furious
is the best film in the franchise and should be a staple in film school for
embracing itself and taking anything on in the action realm. If you want one of
the best starts to the summer movie season, you can’t go wrong with this one.
9.5/10