It was in 2001 that Rob Cohen brought The Fast and The Furious to the big screen and captured the attention of audiences around the world. The Fast and The Furious was a glimpse into the world of underground street racing, which hadn’t been seen on film before. This movie introduced us to a group of actors that had talent, passion and eagerness. That first film was about remarkable cars, speed and above all, family. In 2001 no one thought that this movie would become a highly successful franchise.
Now, fourteen years later, the seventh film in the franchise has been released. Furious 7 is a movie that suspends reality, embraces imagination and returns to the roots that started it all. Yes, at times the plot is unbelievable, the stuns are way over the top and the dialogue is laughable. Furious 7 isn’t going to win Best Picture, despite what actor Vin Diesel had to say but that doesn’t matter to fans. Audiences pack the seats to experience a one of a kind adrenaline thrill ride, complete with laughs, heart and tears.
Furious 7 delivers on every front but the weight of this film cannot be overlooked.
The franchise took on its greatest challenge when lead actor Paul Walker died during production. Director James Wan was faced with an enormous challenge of how to complete the original storyline while paying tribute to a fallen Fast family member. Wan found that balance between the emotion of the film and the action. This is a tribute that fans can and should be proud of.
Furious 7 allows us to take a ride with Walker one last time. These actors became a family on set and we as the audience got to be a part of the family. We were apart of the backyard barbecues at the 1327 house. We, as the fans, needed our chance to say goodbye to Paul Walker.
I saw The Fast and The Furious when it came out back in 2001. I was a young female who at the time would be learning how to drive in a few years. I have to say this inspired my driving (for the better) and my sense of how important family was but despite my love for these movies, this will be the last Fast film that I see.
The end of this film is a reminder that these cast members will always be a family and that we were a part of it. Furious 7 chose to honor Walker and finish what he felt so passionate about. This movie wraps up everything and the ending is truly beautiful. Odds are another film will be made because of the record-breaking box office numbers but for me, this is how the series should end. Now the only thing left to do is thank the cast and crew for giving us this film and a chance to say goodbye.
Thank you for continuing to honor Walker by completing the movie and creating a film that had the energy and passion that we have come to know and love. Thank you to Furious 7 for making us hold onto the edge of our seats, laugh out loud and giving us a chance to go on one last ride with a member of our Fast family and for the chance to say goodbye.
Thank you for daring to be more than just an action movie and for teaching us that family above all is most important and will always be here for us, even in spirit.
Furious 7 stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson and Michelle Rodriguez.
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