Furious 7 (2015)
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Review #1,155 |
THE SCOOP
Director: James Wan
Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Kurt Russell
Plot: Deckard Shaw seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto and his family for his comatose brother.
Genre: Action / Thriller
Awards: -
Runtime: 137min
Rating: PG13 for prolonged frenetic sequences of violence, action and mayhem, suggestive content and brief strong language.
IN RETROSPECT (Spoilers: NO)
“This time it
ain't just about being fast.”
The “Fast and Furious” franchise has
come a long way. In its seventh
installment, the franchise continues to find familiar ground with itself and
with audiences. Horror director James
Wan, of Saw (2004), Insidious (2010) and The Conjuring (2013) fame, takes over
the reins from Justin Lin (who directed the previous four movies). The result is seamless, and fans expecting
everything that is exciting about the franchise will find their engines revved
once again.
For the neutral and unconverted like
myself, Furious 7 is same old, same
old, much like how the earlier movies were.
However, it’s never one movie too many if familiarity is the raison
d’être of such a franchise. To its
credit, to be able to sustain the same appeal for fourteen years (the first
installment began in 2001) with an ever increasing fan base is quite a feat.
Fans would also be satisfied to know
that the late Paul Walker, a key actor in the franchise, is given a proper
tribute that integrates well with the bigger, continuing narrative. I sense a little more focus on drama in this
latest flick than all-out action, which is always a good thing in extending the
franchise’s shelf life reasonably longer.
Themes of loyalty, vengeance and brotherhood continue to evolve, though
not in stimulating ways. But it is
enough to keep things moving.
The ensemble now battles a villain,
played by Jason Statham in cold and calculated mode, whose sense of revenge
(for his comatose brother) consumes and drives him to obliterate those who
cross him. He is a handful to handle in
hand-to-hand combat, but when it comes to the matter of vehicular warfare, I
guess the playing field is set flat for all.
If you are into action and car chases
of the stupendous kind, this movie is for you.
With a mix of stunt driving, CG effects and a fistful of editing
flourishes, Furious 7 is no doubt
thrilling, stylish and kinetic. It is
also the longest installment to date, running at more than two hours. You won't mind its length, though you might
feel that the movie could benefit more from a tighter cut.
Whether you like it or not, Furious 7 reminds us that summer is
near, with many movies to anticipate.
Some will satisfy, others will disappoint – this film does neither for
me.
Verdict: Same old, same old, but the action sequences
remain stupendous, which will thrill fans for the seventh time.
GRADE: C+ (6.5/10 or 3 stars)
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