“Fast and Furious” 7 Film Review Essay Example

piles action sequence upon action sequence, is the most riveting and exciting set piece I’ve seen in years. It pulses with adrenaline and a visual humor to match the comic camaraderie of its characters (Ebert Digital par.8).

They walk way leaving wreckages while they have no health issues to complain about. Some of the standout stunts include the Toretto (Diesel) destroying a fighter jet innovatively using his car and the drive between skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi. The stunts, although they give the film its identity, seem to have an inclination towards the impossible. Right before the drive between the skyscrapers, Brian (Paul Walker) tells Dom (Vin Diesel) that cars don’t fly. Willmore notes the conversation, “Dom, cars don’t fly! Cars don’t fly!” Brian yells before its biggest stunt. Furious 7 makes you believe they can” (par.5). Regardless, they execute the stunt successfully. The nature of the stunt is unbelievable but the movie is inclined to inform the audience that everything is possible as long as the crew is on it. These stunts and others in the movie give critics the right to label the movie as over the top. Essentially, the stunts have a low level of believability but they are essential to highlight the prowess and abnormal circumstances that the lead cast operates in. The Fast and Furious 7 takes stunt work to a higher notch, bringing intrigue that stems from the jaw-dropping actions.

Another notable visual feature that makes the film as standout one from the rest of the franchise’s installment is the collection of cars and the enhanced relationship between the ethnically diverse cast. Shoard notes that “…there’s proven to be remarkable mileage in

F&F’s combo of fast cars, sucker punches, ethnically-diverse buddies and pedal-pushing babes” (par.3)The film budged was raised significantly based on the projected returns from the successes of the previous films. The increased budgets explain the splashier set pieces and the recruitment of other sympathetic stars such as Dwayne Johnson who serves as Luke Hobbs. The Fast and Furious films have depicted a gradual growth of the character relationships. The front men are attached to each other emotionally as very good friends who would do anything for each other, including risking their lives. They are a “family” according to Toretto. Toretto is the ultimate glue that holds all the characters together. He serves as the big brother who would do anything possible to protect the people he loves. He has demonstrated this attribute throughout the Fast and Furious movies. He takes it a notch higher in the seventh installation (Morris par.5). He is willing to risk everything to avenge any harm caused to his colleagues who he considers as family. The other characters show commitment to the bond that holds them together and has seen them overcome many troubles. Their characters merge well and bring a sentimental attribute to the film. They are comfortable with each as showcased by their mutual trust even when they are risking their lives performing high risk maneuvers. In Fast Furious 7, this emotional bond is highlighted intensely as the friends joke around and hang out with each other during their free time. In addition to the variety of high adrenaline stunts, the audience is attracted to the film by the emotional attribute between the characters.

The highlight of the movie is

the emotional undertone behind the death of one of the leading cast members Paul Walker. Throughout the film, there are many instances where the place of Paul Walker in the film is highlighted. The actor died from a high-speed car crash while the film was halfway done. Having worked with many of the characters in the film, there was not only an on-screen emotional bond but a real friendship. The filming of Fast and Furious 7 took a hit after the death of Paul Walker because it meant that there would be numerous rewrites (Morris par.3). The film was initially delayed after his death, put on hold, and later revived through plot rethinking and use of Walker’s brothers. It is incredible how the film manages to incorporate the departed walker in the story, enhancing the emotional appeal of the movie. For example, the film refers to the initial First and Furious installation where Walker and Diesel have some tender dialogue. At one instance, the film captures an overhead shot of a dividing road as the two move in two different directions. This shot is one of the most significant memoirs that show the departure of Paul Walker. It capture the attentional of the viewer and invokes an emotional feel. Evidently, the audience were curious to find out how the movie would be without one of its lead men. The film directors and cast did a good job highlighting the importance of Paul Walker and giving him the right recognition (Rotten Tomatoes). As such, the film is a heartwarming tribute to Paul Walker in every way. The movie and actor’s fans get a well-deserved tribute that

resonates to the contribution of the actor in the film and general movie sector. The film lives up to the hype created after the death of Paul Walker. Essentially, the audience were waiting for the film eagerly for sadder reasons. There was a huge burden placed on the film creators to assemble a film that not only fulfills the entertainment expectations but also offers a good tribute to one of its main actors. As such, the movie was successful because it offered closure to the fans, leaving them satisfied emotionally.

Although the movie elements such as the plot, visuals and characters merge well, there are moments where there is uncomfortable viewing. Initially, the film offers a disclaimer that there may be violence, strong language and suggestive content to prepare the audience. However, there are instances when the events catch the viewer unprepared especially with the death of Paul Walker in mind. There are vicious car crashes and explosions that serve as uneasy reminders of the plight of Paul Walker. Although the movie is cautious not to draw parallels in scenes with the actual case of Paul Walker, it is impossible for the viewer not to watch the movie with the death of Paul Walker from a Vicious car crash at the back of the mind. Although the crashes are meant for entertainment purposes, an emotionally conscious viewer might end up feeling guilty for enjoying the car crashes so much yet there are underlying consequences from the movie. However, there is no deliberate reflection on the actual Paul Walker’s crash. This downside of the movie is dependent on the emotional maturity of the viewer. Some may view

the violent crashes as insensitivity and give the film criticism on that basis but others may not give the film criticism on that basis because they understand that the judgment is based on their guilt.

In conclusion, the movie gives the audience what they expected. It manages to offer entertainment and offer a tribute to Paul Walker. Its major strengths is the visuals, character performances, and emotional appeal. It also integrates the three element seamlessly to create a moving and entertaining film. However, some of the stunts are over the top. It is evident that this latest franchise has thrived on addressing the downsides of the previous installation.

Works Cited

1. Ebert Digital. "Furious 7 Movie Review & Film Summary (2015) | Roger Ebert." N.p., 2016. Web. 3 Aug. 2016. http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/furious-7-2015
2. Morris, Wesley. "Drivin’ and Cryin’: Old Ridiculousness and New Emotion Converge in ‘Furious 7’ «." Grantland. N.p., 3 Apr. 2015. Web. 4 Aug. 2016. http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/furious-7-review/.
3. Rotten Tomatoes. "Furious 7 (2015) - Rotten Tomatoes." N.p., 2016. Web. 3 Aug. 2016. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/furious_7/
4. Shoard, C. "Fast and Furious 7 review: Paul Walker's final film is fitting tribute | Film | The Guardian." N.p., 25 Mar. 2015. Web. 4 Aug. 2016. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/mar/25/fast-and-furious-7-review-paul-walkers-final-film-is-fitting-tribute
5. Willmore, A. "How "Furious 7" Stacks Up To The Other "Fast And Furious" Movies."BuzzFeed. N.p., 2 Apr. 2015. Web. 4 Aug. 2016. https://www.buzzfeed.com/alisonwillmore/one-last-ride?utm_term=.xpwAjJEjV9#.pxPQk3Ek07