I recently watched all 8 (yeah there are 8 of them) Fast and Furious films from end to beginning. I know, a strange thing to do, but it made me realize something. These movies tell one of the best love stories the screen has seen in the 2000's. Laugh if you want, but I would kill to have a love like Dom and Letty. Watching it in reverse really showed how much this couple have been through for each other and for their family.
The Fast and the Furious
2001
Directed by: Rob Cohen
Rated: PG-13
Run-time: 1 hr. 46 mins.
Where it all began. The story of undercover cop Brian O'Connor (Paul Walker) trying to figure out who is pulling some pretty petty small thefts through vehicular hi-jacking. He infiltrates the world of LA street racing and meetings Dominic Torretto (Vin Diesel). Fast cars, women in skimpy clothes and techno heavy soundtrack, this first installment was a non-stop thrill ride.
The street racing, the lifestyle, the cars. It all seemed a place I wanted to know more about. Walker is so young here. Vin is so small as well - he has really packed the muscles on over the course of the franchise.
Letty is my hero. She is a bad-ass that doesn't take shit from anyone. She knows what she wants and she gets in the dirty. When she punches one of Johnny's men, its my favorite moment of the movie. She's not just sitting home worried, like Mia. She's out there as part of the crew. Helping to run the heists, and she is strong! She is a perfect match for Dom. "I smell... Skanks." Poetry!
Bryan lets Dom go in the end - how very Point Break of him. Although, it is the best decision ever. Bryan has to leave his whole career behind, but it wasn't really in his heart anyway. I had so much fun with this movie, but I was shocked to see it get a sequel. I am happy that it did. My Score: 6/10
2 Fast 2 Furious
2003
Directed by: John Singleton
Rated: PG-13
Run-time: 1 hr. 47 mins.
Newcomers: Tyrese and Ludacris
Two years later and we've lost Vin, Michelle and Jordana (no real loss on Mia). However, we've picked up two new-comers in Tyrese and Ludacris' characters Roman Pearce and Tej. Oh and some ladies join the cast but are no more than mere pretty faces. Eva Longoria's Monica Fuentes in particular is basically tits on the screen and she is playing an undercover agent. Everyone treats her like a pair of tits and she basically needs saving from the big bad Carter Verone.
Paul Walker leads this installment and no matter what anyone says, he leads it well. His chemistry with Tyrese jumps off the screen. You see a family build here and it worked for me. Ludacris is also a welcome addition as garage owner Tej. I don't know how he evolves into World Hacker Tej later on, but we'll to that later. Bryan has moved to Miami since he is no longer a cop. The cops come to him because they need help to take done a drug kingpin who uses street racers to move his money.
The plot is thin, but fun. I really enjoy watching Walker and Tyrese. They are just comedic gold together.
On the soundtrack front, with Luda in the movie, you knew we were going to get some Luda on the soundtrack. This might be my favorite one of the bunch. Others have better songs, but this I can listen to almost from start to finish. I have fond memories of a Florida vacation with my best friend Jenn, listening to this while we drove a car we nicknamed "Walker." Awe, memories. My Score: 9/10
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
2006
Directed by: Justin Lin
Rated: PG-13
Run-time: 1 hr. 44 mins.
3 years later and we get Tokyo Drift. No one from our original cast is in the movie. Lucas "someone's at the door," Black is headlining this installment as Sean. A bad-boy who moves to Tokyo when he causes a lot of property damage during a race with Tim the Tool Man Taylor's son, over a girl.
This movie is both Fast and Furious. It also does one other thing. It introduces us to Han. Han will become another heart of the film. He may have also been so popular that he created a time paradox as you will see in the next movies.
Once again, women take a back seat as arm candy and plot line devices in this. They pretty much call Neela a whore through the whole movie. Ugh, bring me Letty again. Please.
This is my second favorite soundtrack and let's be honest, Drifting is the coolest thing to hit screens since Pod Racing. You don't like Pod racing? Too bad, I do. Not like it was the worst thing about that move, AM I RIGHT!
Sadly, Han does not make it to the end of the film, but it brings us an OG back to the fold. Dom comes to Tokoyo and tells Sean that Han was family, so they must race. At the time, I was so excited thinking they were coming back and oh boy did they ever. My Score: 9/10
Fast & Furious
2009
Directed by: Justin Lin
Rated: PG-13
Run-time: 1 hr. 47 mins.
Newcomer: Gal Gadot
As the poster states, the fourth installment in the franchise brings us New Model, Original Parts. Three years after Tokyo Drift, 4 of the main cast have returned. What brings them back? Bryan is working for the FBI now - sure cuz that happens, and he has enlisted Letty's help to bring down a drug kingpin using street racers... wait a minute this sounds familiar. Unfortunately, Letty is killed and its up to Dom and Bryan to work together to bring down the Drug Cartel. Because, let's be honest, that's what petty criminals are really good at.
It is good to see the rest of the cast back in the driver seats. A new edition to the fold is Gal Gadot's Gisele. Our future Wonder Woman works for the bad guys, but is not really a bad guy. She gets better as the franchise goes on, but she's okay here. Nice introduction.
What sets this film apart is that it creates the time paradox. Han is alive in this move. Not that I'm not thrilled to seem him, but HUH! Justin Lin takes the helm and takes us out of the timeline. I don't mind, but I always have to remember what the order is. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 3, 7, 8. So strange. From this moment on, we keep wondering, when will Hahn die? This one. Nope. Not for some time. I adore Sung Kang, so I'm okay with it.
Mia annoys me throughout the films and she really annoys me here. She plays up the guilt with Bryan, although if it weren't for him, Dom would probably be in prison, or worse. Back off Mia. Back off. This one is not one of my favorites. We don't see Tej or Roman in this one, but they will be back soon.My Score: 7/10
Fast Five
2011
Directed by: Justin Lin
Rated: PG-13
Run-time: 2 hr. 10 mins.
Newcomer: The Rock & Elsa Pataky
This is one hell of a ride! Justin Lin is back in the directors chair and this time, we are going to Brazil! Our street racers are suddenly international thieves and specialists. Bryan and Dom bring together previous cast members in Rio. Bryan and Mia have broken Dom out of police custody and they are on the run. A breath of fresh air comes into the franchise. The Rock plays Hobbs, and he is looking for Dom and crew.
While on the run they reunite with supreme Douche Vince from the original movie. He gets them involved in a heist gone wrong and now they have pissed off the big bad Reyes. In order to deal with Reyes, they decide to heist all his money from him. Sure, okay. I'll suspend my disbelief enough to go along for the ride. How did they get that Safe? Whatever, that might be the most enjoyable 15 mins or so in film history. A lot of bad cops die, but they are bad. Its nothing compared to what happens in 6!
Again, I'm super frustrated by Mia. She is pregnant and waits a really long time to tell anyone. She jumps off a building with Bryan and then decides to tell him she's preganant. But I don't see a scene where they go get her checked out at the hospital to make sure that baby is okay after her leap of faith!
Newcomer Elsa Pataky might be one of the most beautiful women in the world! She is also Mrs. Chris Hemsworth, so damn, they are just the most attractive couple in the world. She plays a Brazilian cop named Elena. She joined the police force after her husband was gunned down. She can't be bribed and she works with Hobbs. She does end up giving Dom the feels and leaves behind her cop career to be with Dom. He has that effect on people.
This is BRAZIL! I do love this one. The Rock vs. Vin Diesel. Better fight than even I was anticipating. Love that they end up working together and he lets him go as well, with the caveat that he's coming for him. Rock is incredibly jacked here. His muscles have muscles, and an endless supply of baby oil.
Bryan and Dom hit up the street racing scene and remark on it being home. Dom's right, this feels good. Feels like a friend you haven't seen in a while.
The soundtrack is great, but the highlight truly is - How We Roll (Fast Five Remix) by Don Omar & Busta Rhymes & Reek da Villian & Jo-Doe. Such a good song. Absolutely high on my work-out playlist. Busta is a phenom. Its my second favorite song from the soundtracks. My absolute fav comes in the next movie.
They pulled a Marvel on this one. A post credits scene with Eva Longoria. She has info for Hobbs. LETTY IS ALIVE! Ahhhh Shit!My Score: 8/10
Fast & Furious 6
2013
Directed by: Justin Lin
Rated: PG-13
Run-time: 2 hr. 10 mins.
Newcomers: Luke Evans
Oh boy. Luke Evans. Swoon. Seriously, they just keep raising the ante on these movies.
Letty is alive and she has no idea who she is. She's working for Owen Shaw. International criminal and sexy AF bad guy. Turns out that Letty didn't die when Felix tried to take her out - she's blown free of the wreckage and has amnesia. She even shoots Dom. In the shoulder, but damn.
In a continuing story, our family are the ones to call when you need to do some international crime. Guess they heard about the bank vault in Brazil. Our group is off living their millionare lifestyles until Hobbs recruits Dom to help him bust Shaw by showing him that Letty is still alive. Bryan's guilt is heavy in this one as it was all his fault for recruiting her originally. They agree to it, on the condition that their records be wiped clean. Sure - that's plausible. I mean Tej is a hacker. A really good hacker. Uh-huh. 👌🏽
Shaw's team - as Roman points out - is very similar to Dom's. He's got experts in each area and he is always one step ahead of Dom. The trailer reveals way too much and that's what keeps this one from being a 10 for me. I really love this one and would have loved it even more if I didn't know what was happening with the plane from the very start.
The end of this movie is fucking insane! The body count is insane. Some people are just smooshed by the tank that Shaw steals. Just smooshed. The stakes are higher, the stunts crazier and the cars still as fast.
It is at this point I've decided, I don't care how many they make, I'll be there no matter what. It could have been the amazing fight scene between Gina Carano and Michelle Rodriguez. Rodriguez may not actually win that IRL, but it looked great on screen.
The best song also comes in the from of We Own It (Fast & Furious) from 2 Chainz and Wiz Khalifa. It becomes a little bit of an anthem and is used more than once. Such a great workout song - boxing in particular. Wiz is also responsible for the saddest song of the franchise, but we'll get to that.
The gang gets to come home, back to the Toretto house from the first movie. Peace and love doesn't last long though. We are brought back to Tokyo Drift at the end of this one. Gisele has died and Han has gone back to Tokoyo to grieve. We see the accident as it happend, but then Jason MF'ing Statham gets out of the car that hits Han. He is on the phone with Dom. We will find out more about him in the next movie.My Score: 9/10
Furious 7
2015
Directed by: James Wan
Rated: PG-13
Run-time: 2 hr. 17 mins.
Newcomer: Jason Statham, Nathalie Emmanuel and Kurt Russell
"It's been a long day without you, my friend. And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again." Wiz is back with another hit and Charlie Puth delivers the chorus that makes me tear up everyone single time I hear it. Four years ago, on November 30, 2013, Paul Walker died suddenly in a car accident with his friend Roger Rodas. Furious 7 was still being filmed at the time and the cast and the world grieved the sudden passing of this wonderful actor and father. James Wan, new to the franchise was left with the task of how to finish the film without Walker. Instead of killing the character off, Paul's brothers were brought in to finish his scenes and the movie. Younger brother Cody looks so much like him that you couldn't even tell the CGI work they had to do to.
The main story here is that Deckard Shaw, bigger, badder brother of Owen Shaw is hunting Team Toretto for revenge for his brothers plight in part 6. He killed Han, he blew up Dom's house and nearly killed the whole family.
The team is recruited once again by the government, this time by newcomer Kurt Russell as Mr. Nobody to help track down a hacker named Ramsey (Game of Thrones "Missandei") and her "God's Eye" device. Djimon Hounsou plays Jakande - he wants the God's Eye and he has kidnapped Ramsey.
It is hilarious watching Tej and Roman fight over her. I like her though. She can stick around. I do miss Han and Gisele. Slow tear.
Statham and Vin have a dangerous confrontation that should have left both of them dead. A game of chicken wear neither one swerved. Jason reinforced his car, Vin is just a superhero. The honest trailer for this one is fantastic and if you haven't already watched - go over to YouTube and check it out.
They take a trip to Abu Dhabi in this one and again, one of the best scenes in the movie is shown in the trailer. Cars fly from building to building, its amazing, but I was anticipating the whole time. Also, Letty kicks the shit out of Ronda Rousey. Of course the good guys win in the end and Deckard is stopped. I doubt its the last we will see of him.
The grief of loosing Walker culminates at the end of the film. "When I See You Again," plays as Dom drives off. He and Bryan share one last ride together and then Bryan's road leads off and we fade to a heartbreaking, For Paul. I'm crying. I'm always crying at the end of this movie. RIP Paul Walker. My Score: 9/10
F8: The Fate of the Furious
2017
Directed by: F. Gary Gray
Rated: PG-13
Run-time: 2 hr. 16 mins.
Newcomers: Charlize Theron, Scott Eastwood and Helen Mirren
The first movie without Paul Walker. I'm skeptical, but they've added Charlize Theron as Cipher. As the VILLAIN! I'm not on board with her dreadlocks, but I am on board with her being the bad guy! We have another Game of Thrones vet in this, Tormund!!!! Kristofer Hivju is Charlize's right hand thug. He doesn't speak much, unless its to threaten someone.
Cipher has convinced Dom to leave all he knows and loves behind and join her. He turns on his team and becomes a bad guy. You know there has to be a reason. Turns out there is a really good, adorable reason, his son with Elena, that he never knew about. Cipher has kidnapped Elena and the child and is forcing Dom to help her. What have we learned throughout the franchise, don't fuck with Dom's family.
Mr. Nobody has brought in a replacement Bryan and I'm not happy about it. Scott Eastwood is no Paul Walker. He's so stiff and not funny and not a welcome addition to the cast. I'm hoping he does not return for part 9. He has zero chemistry with the rest of the crew. Its almost like they are treating him like a replacement Walker and they don't like it either.
Another new addition, Helen Mirren. I love her. The reveal that she is mum to Owen and Deckard Shaw is one of my favorite moments in franchise. She's such a manipulator. I love her! I love her interactions with Deckard and Dom. Its amazing. Speaking of Deckard, his escape from jail reminded me of the Transporter movies. I loved it.
There is a mention of Bryan and Mia. When Dom goes bad, Letty tells the group that they can't involve Bryan. He's out and he needs to stay out. They have kids. I guess Jordana Brewester is just out of the franchise without Walker. I'm okay with that.
Cipher makes a huge mistake when she kills Elena in front of Dom and he enacts a plan that will eventually take her down. Its complicated multi-level plan that includes Mama Shaw and her Boys and the cross that has signified so much for Dom.
Each move has raised the bar with the stunts and this one takes it even further with a damn SUB! The race across the ice is fantastic. Once again Dom is a Superhero and survives explosions and wrecks. Owen Shaw returns and works with Deckard to retrieve Dom's son from Cipher's fortress in the sky. The scene of Deckard fighting his way through with the baby in a car seat is a highlight for me.
The gang comes back to LA and has another amazing Toretto family meal on beautiful rooftop and Dom breaks my heart and makes me cry again when he introduces his son, Bryan my eyes start to leak and I can't make them stop, thank goodness it was dark in the theater.
I'm not sure how they are going to raise the bar, but it looks like we can expect Fast 9 and Fast 10 soon. I hope they go to space. My Score: 9/10
The Fast and the Furious 2001 Directed by: Rob Cohen Rated: PG-13 Run-time: 1 hr. 46 mins. |
The street racing, the lifestyle, the cars. It all seemed a place I wanted to know more about. Walker is so young here. Vin is so small as well - he has really packed the muscles on over the course of the franchise.
Letty is my hero. She is a bad-ass that doesn't take shit from anyone. She knows what she wants and she gets in the dirty. When she punches one of Johnny's men, its my favorite moment of the movie. She's not just sitting home worried, like Mia. She's out there as part of the crew. Helping to run the heists, and she is strong! She is a perfect match for Dom. "I smell... Skanks." Poetry!
Bryan lets Dom go in the end - how very Point Break of him. Although, it is the best decision ever. Bryan has to leave his whole career behind, but it wasn't really in his heart anyway. I had so much fun with this movie, but I was shocked to see it get a sequel. I am happy that it did.
2 Fast 2 Furious 2003 Directed by: John Singleton Rated: PG-13 Run-time: 1 hr. 47 mins. Newcomers: Tyrese and Ludacris |
Paul Walker leads this installment and no matter what anyone says, he leads it well. His chemistry with Tyrese jumps off the screen. You see a family build here and it worked for me. Ludacris is also a welcome addition as garage owner Tej. I don't know how he evolves into World Hacker Tej later on, but we'll to that later. Bryan has moved to Miami since he is no longer a cop. The cops come to him because they need help to take done a drug kingpin who uses street racers to move his money.
The plot is thin, but fun. I really enjoy watching Walker and Tyrese. They are just comedic gold together.
On the soundtrack front, with Luda in the movie, you knew we were going to get some Luda on the soundtrack. This might be my favorite one of the bunch. Others have better songs, but this I can listen to almost from start to finish. I have fond memories of a Florida vacation with my best friend Jenn, listening to this while we drove a car we nicknamed "Walker." Awe, memories.
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift 2006 Directed by: Justin Lin Rated: PG-13 Run-time: 1 hr. 44 mins. |
This movie is both Fast and Furious. It also does one other thing. It introduces us to Han. Han will become another heart of the film. He may have also been so popular that he created a time paradox as you will see in the next movies.
Once again, women take a back seat as arm candy and plot line devices in this. They pretty much call Neela a whore through the whole movie. Ugh, bring me Letty again. Please.
This is my second favorite soundtrack and let's be honest, Drifting is the coolest thing to hit screens since Pod Racing. You don't like Pod racing? Too bad, I do. Not like it was the worst thing about that move, AM I RIGHT!
Sadly, Han does not make it to the end of the film, but it brings us an OG back to the fold. Dom comes to Tokoyo and tells Sean that Han was family, so they must race. At the time, I was so excited thinking they were coming back and oh boy did they ever.
Fast & Furious 2009 Directed by: Justin Lin Rated: PG-13 Run-time: 1 hr. 47 mins. Newcomer: Gal Gadot |
It is good to see the rest of the cast back in the driver seats. A new edition to the fold is Gal Gadot's Gisele. Our future Wonder Woman works for the bad guys, but is not really a bad guy. She gets better as the franchise goes on, but she's okay here. Nice introduction.
What sets this film apart is that it creates the time paradox. Han is alive in this move. Not that I'm not thrilled to seem him, but HUH! Justin Lin takes the helm and takes us out of the timeline. I don't mind, but I always have to remember what the order is. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 3, 7, 8. So strange. From this moment on, we keep wondering, when will Hahn die? This one. Nope. Not for some time. I adore Sung Kang, so I'm okay with it.
Mia annoys me throughout the films and she really annoys me here. She plays up the guilt with Bryan, although if it weren't for him, Dom would probably be in prison, or worse. Back off Mia. Back off. This one is not one of my favorites. We don't see Tej or Roman in this one, but they will be back soon.
Fast Five 2011 Directed by: Justin Lin Rated: PG-13 Run-time: 2 hr. 10 mins. Newcomer: The Rock & Elsa Pataky |
While on the run they reunite with supreme Douche Vince from the original movie. He gets them involved in a heist gone wrong and now they have pissed off the big bad Reyes. In order to deal with Reyes, they decide to heist all his money from him. Sure, okay. I'll suspend my disbelief enough to go along for the ride. How did they get that Safe? Whatever, that might be the most enjoyable 15 mins or so in film history. A lot of bad cops die, but they are bad. Its nothing compared to what happens in 6!
Again, I'm super frustrated by Mia. She is pregnant and waits a really long time to tell anyone. She jumps off a building with Bryan and then decides to tell him she's preganant. But I don't see a scene where they go get her checked out at the hospital to make sure that baby is okay after her leap of faith!
Newcomer Elsa Pataky might be one of the most beautiful women in the world! She is also Mrs. Chris Hemsworth, so damn, they are just the most attractive couple in the world. She plays a Brazilian cop named Elena. She joined the police force after her husband was gunned down. She can't be bribed and she works with Hobbs. She does end up giving Dom the feels and leaves behind her cop career to be with Dom. He has that effect on people.
This is BRAZIL! I do love this one. The Rock vs. Vin Diesel. Better fight than even I was anticipating. Love that they end up working together and he lets him go as well, with the caveat that he's coming for him. Rock is incredibly jacked here. His muscles have muscles, and an endless supply of baby oil.
Bryan and Dom hit up the street racing scene and remark on it being home. Dom's right, this feels good. Feels like a friend you haven't seen in a while.
The soundtrack is great, but the highlight truly is - How We Roll (Fast Five Remix) by Don Omar & Busta Rhymes & Reek da Villian & Jo-Doe. Such a good song. Absolutely high on my work-out playlist. Busta is a phenom. Its my second favorite song from the soundtracks. My absolute fav comes in the next movie.
They pulled a Marvel on this one. A post credits scene with Eva Longoria. She has info for Hobbs. LETTY IS ALIVE! Ahhhh Shit!
Fast & Furious 6 2013 Directed by: Justin Lin Rated: PG-13 Run-time: 2 hr. 10 mins. Newcomers: Luke Evans |
Letty is alive and she has no idea who she is. She's working for Owen Shaw. International criminal and sexy AF bad guy. Turns out that Letty didn't die when Felix tried to take her out - she's blown free of the wreckage and has amnesia. She even shoots Dom. In the shoulder, but damn.
In a continuing story, our family are the ones to call when you need to do some international crime. Guess they heard about the bank vault in Brazil. Our group is off living their millionare lifestyles until Hobbs recruits Dom to help him bust Shaw by showing him that Letty is still alive. Bryan's guilt is heavy in this one as it was all his fault for recruiting her originally. They agree to it, on the condition that their records be wiped clean. Sure - that's plausible. I mean Tej is a hacker. A really good hacker. Uh-huh. 👌🏽
Shaw's team - as Roman points out - is very similar to Dom's. He's got experts in each area and he is always one step ahead of Dom. The trailer reveals way too much and that's what keeps this one from being a 10 for me. I really love this one and would have loved it even more if I didn't know what was happening with the plane from the very start.
The end of this movie is fucking insane! The body count is insane. Some people are just smooshed by the tank that Shaw steals. Just smooshed. The stakes are higher, the stunts crazier and the cars still as fast.
It is at this point I've decided, I don't care how many they make, I'll be there no matter what. It could have been the amazing fight scene between Gina Carano and Michelle Rodriguez. Rodriguez may not actually win that IRL, but it looked great on screen.
The best song also comes in the from of We Own It (Fast & Furious) from 2 Chainz and Wiz Khalifa. It becomes a little bit of an anthem and is used more than once. Such a great workout song - boxing in particular. Wiz is also responsible for the saddest song of the franchise, but we'll get to that.
The gang gets to come home, back to the Toretto house from the first movie. Peace and love doesn't last long though. We are brought back to Tokyo Drift at the end of this one. Gisele has died and Han has gone back to Tokoyo to grieve. We see the accident as it happend, but then Jason MF'ing Statham gets out of the car that hits Han. He is on the phone with Dom. We will find out more about him in the next movie.
Furious 7 2015 Directed by: James Wan Rated: PG-13 Run-time: 2 hr. 17 mins. Newcomer: Jason Statham, Nathalie Emmanuel and Kurt Russell |
The main story here is that Deckard Shaw, bigger, badder brother of Owen Shaw is hunting Team Toretto for revenge for his brothers plight in part 6. He killed Han, he blew up Dom's house and nearly killed the whole family.
The team is recruited once again by the government, this time by newcomer Kurt Russell as Mr. Nobody to help track down a hacker named Ramsey (Game of Thrones "Missandei") and her "God's Eye" device. Djimon Hounsou plays Jakande - he wants the God's Eye and he has kidnapped Ramsey.
It is hilarious watching Tej and Roman fight over her. I like her though. She can stick around. I do miss Han and Gisele. Slow tear.
Statham and Vin have a dangerous confrontation that should have left both of them dead. A game of chicken wear neither one swerved. Jason reinforced his car, Vin is just a superhero. The honest trailer for this one is fantastic and if you haven't already watched - go over to YouTube and check it out.
They take a trip to Abu Dhabi in this one and again, one of the best scenes in the movie is shown in the trailer. Cars fly from building to building, its amazing, but I was anticipating the whole time. Also, Letty kicks the shit out of Ronda Rousey. Of course the good guys win in the end and Deckard is stopped. I doubt its the last we will see of him.
The grief of loosing Walker culminates at the end of the film. "When I See You Again," plays as Dom drives off. He and Bryan share one last ride together and then Bryan's road leads off and we fade to a heartbreaking, For Paul. I'm crying. I'm always crying at the end of this movie. RIP Paul Walker.
F8: The Fate of the Furious 2017 Directed by: F. Gary Gray Rated: PG-13 Run-time: 2 hr. 16 mins. Newcomers: Charlize Theron, Scott Eastwood and Helen Mirren |
Cipher has convinced Dom to leave all he knows and loves behind and join her. He turns on his team and becomes a bad guy. You know there has to be a reason. Turns out there is a really good, adorable reason, his son with Elena, that he never knew about. Cipher has kidnapped Elena and the child and is forcing Dom to help her. What have we learned throughout the franchise, don't fuck with Dom's family.
Mr. Nobody has brought in a replacement Bryan and I'm not happy about it. Scott Eastwood is no Paul Walker. He's so stiff and not funny and not a welcome addition to the cast. I'm hoping he does not return for part 9. He has zero chemistry with the rest of the crew. Its almost like they are treating him like a replacement Walker and they don't like it either.
Another new addition, Helen Mirren. I love her. The reveal that she is mum to Owen and Deckard Shaw is one of my favorite moments in franchise. She's such a manipulator. I love her! I love her interactions with Deckard and Dom. Its amazing. Speaking of Deckard, his escape from jail reminded me of the Transporter movies. I loved it.
There is a mention of Bryan and Mia. When Dom goes bad, Letty tells the group that they can't involve Bryan. He's out and he needs to stay out. They have kids. I guess Jordana Brewester is just out of the franchise without Walker. I'm okay with that.
Cipher makes a huge mistake when she kills Elena in front of Dom and he enacts a plan that will eventually take her down. Its complicated multi-level plan that includes Mama Shaw and her Boys and the cross that has signified so much for Dom.
Each move has raised the bar with the stunts and this one takes it even further with a damn SUB! The race across the ice is fantastic. Once again Dom is a Superhero and survives explosions and wrecks. Owen Shaw returns and works with Deckard to retrieve Dom's son from Cipher's fortress in the sky. The scene of Deckard fighting his way through with the baby in a car seat is a highlight for me.
The gang comes back to LA and has another amazing Toretto family meal on beautiful rooftop and Dom breaks my heart and makes me cry again when he introduces his son, Bryan my eyes start to leak and I can't make them stop, thank goodness it was dark in the theater.
I'm not sure how they are going to raise the bar, but it looks like we can expect Fast 9 and Fast 10 soon. I hope they go to space.
Final Thoughts
I miss Paul, but still love the franchise. I'm invested in the relationships and the Family. I want kick back with a cold Corona and listen to Vin's gravely voice talk about how much family means. The love between Dom and Letty makes me happy, sad and lonely all at the same time. I will always cry at the end of 7 and I will always hold a special place in my heart for Paul Walker.
A lot of people talk shit on these movies. Go ahead. Sling your barbs. It doesn't hurt me or the box office success of this franchise. Just sit down, strap in and get ready to Ride or Die with the Toretto crew.
There is even talk of a spin-off with The Rock and Statham. Yes please. Image credit: Universal Pictures
A lot of people talk shit on these movies. Go ahead. Sling your barbs. It doesn't hurt me or the box office success of this franchise. Just sit down, strap in and get ready to Ride or Die with the Toretto crew.
There is even talk of a spin-off with The Rock and Statham. Yes please.
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