Putting all criticisms aside, it is truly amazing how
quickly this franchise has expanded. In a matter of less than two decades, a
simple racecar thriller known as The Fast and the Furious (2001) has created
practically as many sequels as the original Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
(1977) did. That's mind blowing. This should prove to viewers who do and don't
enjoy it that the producers must know what they're doing when each film passes
its predecessor. However being that actor Vin Diesel has clearly stated that
there will only be 10 entries in the story, it's rather difficult to think
anyone would stop there. Some fans might have hoped that after Furious 7 (2015)
was released, would mark the end of the series. Looking at it that way would
make sense because of how well the film sent off Paul Walker and his character.
With that, there was concern of how the next entry would deal with this
absence. Don't worry though, everyone on board seemed to have thought of
everything.
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| "So now we gotta get Dom?!" |
Sometime after the events of Furious 7 (2015), Dominic
Toretto (Vin Diesel) and Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) are relaxing when Toretto
is confronted by a person called Cipher (Charlize Theron). Not long after
blackmailing him, Cipher begins using Toretto to do her dirty work. This in
turn betrays the family he has been so heavily involved with from the start.
Trying to stop Toretto, Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell) arrives and adds Deckard Shaw
(Jason Statham) to the crew, which many hesitate on. Yet Letty, Luke Hobbs
(Dwayne Johnson), Roman Pierce (Tyrese Gibson), Tej Parker (Ludacris) and
Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) all know they need all the help they can get. Cipher
also has a deadly yes-man by the name of Rhodes (Kristofer Hivju) who isn't
afraid to kill. Meanwhile Mr. Nobody added a newbie to his roster too, that
being Little Nobody (Scott Eastwood). But that's not all, there's several other
character appearances. Writer Chris Morgan seems to know just how to give a
wink and nod at every turn.
Character development is continuously growing throughout the
entries. New roles are added, which then in turn begin to build on their
foundation with a series of trials that'll prove themselves to others. All
actors within the story give amiable performances. This goes for protagonists
and antagonists. The fast crew all have great quips with each other and even
manage to respectfully squeeze in a reference or two to Paul Walker's
character. The comedic elements are what really help push the likability of
these characters. Seeing Tej and Roman or Luke and Deckard bicker, is all for a
good laugh. Little Nobody shows that even he can be funny due to his lack of
understanding with the original crew. Charlize Theron and Kristofer Hivju as
the two baddies are great at being the villains. They show no mercy in their killing.
This will also show to the fans that the people working on this movie know how
to play with one's emotions. Not everything is green pastures for the fast
crew.
The sequences involving action are well staged. It's also
great to know that director F. Gary Gray utilized as many practical effects as
he could. And like always, the action is turned up another notch to the point
of being unexpected. Each time, the stunts get crazier and crazier. Lots of
cars were destroyed, there's no doubt about that. Unfortunately there is one
minor gripe about this. When things start to get harry in New York, the scene
will possibly become a little over gratuitous in its delivery. There's a point
where so many cars are getting wrecked, it can get comparatively overwhelming.
At some point viewers might ask, "Okay we get it, how much of that is
needed?" kind of question. Labeling that as an isolated issue, the rest of
the sequences are fine because it is not so blatant in its destruction. As for
the physical possibilities of handling these scenarios, it's highly unlikely. This
franchise is at a point though where belief has to be suspended to a point.
 |
| Charlize Theron |
Camerawork has always been a strong point in the franchise's
last few entries and it remains that way. Thanks to Stephen F. Windon, the way
the camera captures all action and visuals blends very well together. Again
this all goes back to finding ways of being creative. There are several angular
shots that work to give the viewer a better of idea of what it's like to be in
a certain situation. This also applies to the non action related shots. Wide
scope panning shots are also much appreciated in letting the viewer take in the
sights to see what and where the characters dwell. All visually pleasing.
Another weak point however is Brian Tyler's musical score. Although he has been
scoring the franchise for a number of entries now, there's not much to mention
over it because its sole purpose is just to elevate the experience with no
emotional weight. That's not to say it isn't composed competently, but it does
not add to the pressure of what is being presented on screen. All in all
though, another solid entry.
Points Earned --> 7:10
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