The Fate of the Furious Review

A couple of hours ago I completed a 17 hour Fast and the Furious marathon at Alamo Drafthouse, where I watched each film in the series; ending with The Fate of the Furious. As expected, based on the first 7 films in the series, there was a definite increase in the level of action, explosions, and fighting. I especially enjoyed the fighting sequence when Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Deckard (Jason Statham) were in the prison. Though I must admit, the action at time is laughable, or I should say the way the main characters walk out of explosions and fights with 2 scratches and a drop of blood is laughable. I get the need to increase the awe-factor of the action sequences in each film, but it would help to then increase the physical damage to the humans enduring the punches, crashes through glass, and explosions. This is done sometimes, but not often nor consistently. But if I had to choose between more action or more realistic physical damage, I'd say keep the action coming!! 

What I love most about the series is its diversity, having main characters of various races, ethnicities, and nationalities and women who are just as tough as the men, if not tougher. And there was no exception here! From the film starting in Havana, Cuba, and revealing that Dom (Vin Diesel) is Cuban (or at least part Cuban), to Hobbs showcasing his Samoan heritage on a soccer field. Then there's Cipher (Charlize Theron). She's the super villain that get's Dom to do her bidding, even if it means going against his team/family. Not only is she a super villain, and a pretty cold-hearted one, it turns out a few of the past villains (who were men) were actually working under her! 

The plot was a tad bit predictable in some ways, and I was not a fan of some of the major plot points. The focus was clearly more on pushing the action, not the plot, and understandably so. They and I both know what I came for, and it wasn't necessarily for the plot. I came for the action, and action is what I got! 

Overall, The Fate of the Furious is not my fave in the series, but nor is it my least favorite. It was entertaining and full of action, with a few surprises and the possibility of yet another sequel. The series still has some gas 8 films in! So if you're a fan of the series, I recommend going to see it! 

8/10

The Fate of the Furious Review [Brandon Keith Avery - JustMyOpinion.net]

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  

Read more reviews by Brandon Keith Avery at Just My Opinion.net.  

The Fate of the Furious - In Theaters April 14 - Official Trailer #2 (HD)

The Fate of the Furious - Big Game Spot - In Theaters April 14 (HD)

The Fate of the Furious - Official Trailer - #F8 In Theaters April 14 (HD)

THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS cast members Tyrese Gibson, Vin Diesel, The Rock and more unveiled the first trailer in Times Square, where the event was live streamed on Facebook! 

 If you missed it, WATCH the exclusive Facebook Live with the filmmakers & cast: 

THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS – In Theaters April 14, 2017

Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | #F8

Universal Pictures’ EIGHTH CHAPTER IN THE FAST & FURIOUS SAGA has been retitled THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS and will be released on its previously announced date, Friday, April 14, 2017.

On the heels of 2015’s Furious 7, one of the fastest movies to reach $1 billion worldwide in box-office history and the sixth-biggest global title of all time, comes the newest chapter in one of the most popular and enduring motion-picture serials of all time: THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS.

Now that Dom and Letty are on their honeymoon and Brian and Mia have retired from the game—and the rest of the crew has been exonerated—the globetrotting team has found a semblance of a normal life.  But when a mysterious woman (Oscar® winner Charlize Theron) seduces Dom into the world of crime he can’t seem to escape and a betrayal of those closest to him, they will face trials that will test them as never before.  

From the shores of Cuba and the streets of New York City to the icy plains off the arctic Barents Sea, our elite force will crisscross the globe to stop an anarchist from unleashing chaos on the world’s stage…and to bring home the man who made them a family.

For THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS, Vin Diesel is joined by a returning all-star cast that includes Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Elsa Pataky and Kurt Russell.  In addition to Theron, the series welcomes newcomers Scott Eastwood and Oscar® winner Helen Mirren.  The film is directed by F. Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton) and produced by returning producers Neal H. Moritz, Michael Fottrell and Diesel.

The Fate of the Furious - In Theaters April 14 - Official Trailer Teaser

Furious 8 - Release Date Set