7/10

The high octane fast paced action of Dominic Torello (Vin Diesel) and the gang return in the most action packed sequel yet. “Furious 7” picks up right after the events of “Fast Six”, as Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) seeks revenge for the death of his little brother, Owen (Luke Evans). Hell bent on nothing less than death, Deckard aims to pick off the gang one by one in this latest installment. I was a little worried on how well this film would fare due to the untimely death of star Paul Walker, but i can safely say that this film pays off in ways that every “Fast” film should; it’s entertaining. What this franchise has managed to do is impressive because it’s full proofed itself into making any critic feel ridiculous for pointing out the negatives about it’s films. The things i didn’t like about the movie were few and far between, but the entertainment is brought down by a couple of factors. First, the film’s two hours and twelve minute run time is definitely taxing on an audience that experiences one action packed juggernaut scene after another. The action is very well shot while not dragging the audience through shaky camera shots that are famous in action films today. The fight scenes include a lot of revolving shots where the camera circles around it’s two competitors, and this is a prime example of the expertise of long time director James Wan (The Saw Franchise). I mentioned the film’s run time, and it could easily be trimmed with a lot of the sequences (Mainly the final one) that often run over twenty minutes a piece. I also feel like this is a franchise that can’t afford to add too many more characters, as the ones in this one didn’t have a lot to do. The Rock is in the movie for about fifteen minutes total, and this is a negative as i felt his character had a lot to do with the success of the sixth film. If you ask me where the gold lies in “Furious 7” however, i would say it’s in the surprising dramatic touches of the characters ongoing stories we have come to see over the last decade and a half. There are a lot of heartwarming moments, mostly in the audience thinking above and beyond the movie with this being Walker’s final film. The movie gives us a fitting send off for the man with the million dollar smile, and fans of the series will really dig what Wan gives us with the final ten minutes of the film. I do hope this is the end for this series, as i couldn’t imagine a better ending. Another sequel also wouldn’t make sense with where things are left at the end of this one. The defying of gravity scenes and suspension of disbelief is massive, but if you have made it this far, “Furious 7” will be a welcome nitro boost to an already disappointing film year. If you want a movie that doesn’t require you to think for too long, as well as entertain the hell out of you, check it out. Put your brain in neutral, grab ahold of your seat, and enjoy the ride.