Over the last 14 years, The Fast & Furious franchise has taken us on quite a ride: from illegal street races, to heists, evil drug lords to superheros, saving others in the most over the top, action filled way. FAST AND FURIOUS 7 taken us to new heights, literally.

There was so much laughing, applauding and cheering at the preview screening, it almost felt like I was at a comedy festival show. As with each new film, the stunts become more implausible and entertaining. The heroes driving an expensive sports car through the window of one skyscraper and into another and another. Or when the cars are parachuting off planes and in one of the movie’s most daring and laughable scenes, when Paul Walker’s character defies the laws of physics from falling off a cliff.

The film has already become one of the highest grossing films of the year, taking in more than $497 million worldwide since being released last week. So far the film has grossed $12 million in Australia. It also ranks ninth amongst the top ten openings in history. Producer and co –star Van Diesel even has his hopes set on winning next year’s Oscar for Best Picture. Not sure about that!!

Much of the attention was on the movie’s main star, Paul Walker, who tragically died in a car crash in late 2013 during a break from filming. Production was shut down for several months, then resumed in mid-2014. In his first major Hollywood blockbuster, Australian born director James Wan, best known for horror films such as The Saw Franchise, The Conjuring and Annabelle had the hard task of finishing Paul Walker’s scenes in the movie. This was achieved with clever film techniques such as CGI, lighting, amazing camera tricks and even using Walker’s own brothers as a stand in.  

Having grown up with The Fast and Furious series, I could not help feeling a little sad the first time I saw Brian in the film and knowing what actually happened. A well-deserved tribute to Paul Walker just before the end credits was a perfect send off. Even before his untimed passing, plans for three more sequels were already in the works, so it will be interesting to see who fills the void left by Paul. 

Anyhow, back to the story. The crew are back in the US, struggling to adapt to a normal suburban life, away from the excitement and adventure that they’re used to. Top assassin Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) who has a Terminator never die strength about him starts hunting them, one by one as revenge on his brother’s death from the previous film. Action, mayhem, one liners and expensive cars performing death defying stunts ensue. 

FAST AND FURIOUS 7 is the longest, most over the top, fantasy filled film in the series so far.It is the best yet, bringing in more of an emotional level it that will leave audiences cheering for more and even shedding a tear or two.