Wednesday 15 April 2015

Film Review: "Furious 7" (2015).





"I used to say I live my life a quarter mile at a time and I think that's why we were brothers - because you did too. No matter where you are... you'll always be with me. And you'll always be my brother." This is sadly at the heart of Furious 7. This action film directed by James Wan and written by Chris Morgan. It is the seventh installment in the Fast and the Furious franchise. Furious 7 follows Dominic, Brian and the rest of their team, who have returned to the United States to live normal lives after securing amnesty for their past crimes in Fast & Furious 6 (2013), until Deckard Shaw, a rogue special forces assassin seeking to avenge his comatose younger brother, puts them in danger once again.


In October 2011, the Los Angeles Times reported that Universal Studios was considering filming two sequels to the Fast and the Furious franchise shot back-to-back with a single storyline running through both films. Both would be written by Chris Morgan and directed by Justin Lin. In December 2011, following the release of Fast Five, Vin Diesel stated that Fast Six would be split into two parts, with writing for the two films occurring simultaneously. However, in an interview in February 2012, Dwayne Johnson stated that this idea was scrapped and that production on Fast Seven would only begin after the completion of Fast Six. In April 2013, Lin announced that he would not return to direct a seventh film. In April 2013, Australian director James Wan, predominantly known for horror films, was announced as the sequel's director. In April 2013, Diesel announced that the sequel would be released on July 11, 2014. In May 2013, Diesel said that the sequel would feature Los Angeles, Tokyo and the Middle East as locations. Principal photography began in early September 2013, shooting in Atlanta, Georgia; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Colorado and Oakland.

Production on the film was halted on December 1, 2013 following the tragic death of Paul Walker, who was killed in a car crash on November 30, 2013. Shooting had been underway in Atlanta and the film was scheduled to be released on July 11, 2014. Wan and Universal executives held a conference call to determine how to proceed with the production in a manner respectful to Walker's memory. Walker was nearly halfway through filming at the time of his death. Although there was some consideration about scrapping the film altogether, the film eventually resumed productions following rewrites to address Walker's absence and give his character a proper send-off. Body doubles, stunt doubles, and CGI were used to complete Walker's scenes. Walker's brothers Caleb Walker and Cody Walker were among the doubles, and also provided voice over for the character Brian O'Conner.

The film stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, Jordana Brewster, Kurt Russell, and Jason Statham. The cast gave terrific performances, none more so than the late Paul Walker. Here we witnessed the best performance of his career and he will be forever missed by his legions of loyal fans. May he rest in peace.

With high-octane action and a touching send off to the late Paul Walker, Furious 7 accelerates than the previous instalments combined.

Simon says Furious 7 receives:



Also, see my review for Insidious: Chapter 2.

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