Furious 7 came speeding into cinemas back in April when this blog was a figment of my imagination, smashing records in the process for both the franchise itself and for the box office in general. In light of the DVD and Blu-Ray release of the film, I take a look back on why it has become one of my favourite films of the year so far and why it deserves the success its earned.
Whilst continuing the extravagant
thrills and gripping stunts the franchise is known for, no one could prepare
for the emotional resonance and significance the seventh installment would
have, even with the pyrrhic incentive of featuring the late Paul Walker’s final
performance. Walker’s untimely death put the production on hold, with later
promises that the film would be delivered in the actor’s memory, engulfing the
film in sadness, running throughout the veins and foundations of the film.
The film follows Dominic Torretto
(Vin Diesel), Brian O’Connor (Walker) and Co protecting themselves and their
families from the danger Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) poses, as he spins out on
a revenge-fuelled battle for the trouble they brought to his brother. It’s very
paint-by-numbers, but plot is usually second gear anyway for this franchise,
which focuses more on the stunts, visual exhilaration and set pieces - all of
which are supersized and glorified from previous franchise entries.
If you’ve come looking for a film
that engages your brain or educates you profoundly you should know by now that
this is not the film for you. This is very much a popcorn thriller and a very
good one at that. An attack of the senses, the film speeds through its 137
minute run, rarely pausing for breath. The mind-blowing airdrop scene that
segues into the bus ambush sequence is mesmerisingly big and bold and feels
like nothing we’ve ever seen for a franchise already known for the audacious
sequences. And then comes the Dubai skyscraper, which is somehow bigger and
bolder. The film just doesn’t lay off building upon its set pieces and action. So
strangely, when the film does pause for breath, it shines the brightest.
Emotion is embedded in the film’s
structure from beginning to end, whether coincidentally or purposefully– “Just promise me, Brian. No more funerals” creates a
moment of sorrow and woe that continues throughout proceedings. A phonecall
between Walker’s character and his onscreen wife reinforces the genuine
infection between not only the characters, but the actors - the family they
form, another theme strongly prevalent. By the time the final ‘For Paul’
sequence rolls by, there’s not a dry eye in the room. Poignant music, a
stunning montage and touching narration is the most sincere goodbye. Handled to
perfection, the goodbye to both O’Connor and Walker serves as one of the most
touching and moving scenes in recent film history.
The decision for Brian O’Connor to
live on in the franchise was the best thing they could have done. To allow the
character Walker has embodied for such a long time to live on allows the
audience to feel solace, that even though he is no longer with us, he lives on
in these films, a franchise he arguably defined.
Summary: I never thought I'd get so emotional over a film that's usually so dominated by stunts and tricks but Furious 7 offers the most emotional sendoff to a character and actor we all love, immortalising Paul Walker in film in the most perfect way.
Standout: 'For Paul'. Most gracious, tearful moment for an ending I almost dreaded.
Rating:
✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮☆
(9/10)