Review of The Fate of the Furious(Fast and Furious 8)
When I first learned of an eighth Fast and Furious movie a couple of years ago I was really unsure and uneasy about it. I wasn’t sure how I would feel that it would be the first time in many years that Paul Walker was not apart of the franchise. Up until this point the only movie that didn’t feature Walker was Tokyo Drift which was a completely different movie in it’s own right. I wondered what kind of story could they tell? How could they shake things up? What new alliances might form? After watching this action packed movie those questions were answered.
The movie had a fun tone to the beginning with Dom teaching us lessons about the heart of a racer and respect. It’s ironic because Brian O’Connor was about racing to earn respect in the very first Fast and Furious movie. I loved the new villain Cipher played Charlize Theron. She has always been great at playing a hero and a villain so it made her character believable. They tied a lot of things together like the fact the that both Owen and Deckard Shaw both had pasts with her that made the story intriguing. I also love the fact the Helen Mirren made a cameo as the mother of Deckard and Owen. The interaction between the Shaw Family was comedic but it fit right in to where the movie was going.
After Letty came back in Fast 6, Elena Neves who was in Fast Five was no longer Dom’s love interest. Even though they were no longer together I always sensed that there was still some sort of connection between them. It turns out that Elana was pregnant with Dom’s son and was held captive by Cipher. I was disappointed that Elena was killed off because I always thought her and Hobbs were going to hook up due to them working together. I love the character Hobbs. A lot of people say that Vin Diesel and Paul Walker are the heart of the Fast and Furious Franchise which is true in every sense of the word. However, I believe that The Rock re-ignited the franchise when he first appeared in Fast Five. His chemistry with Jason Statham, and Tyrese is so crystal clear. I know there is beef between The Rock and Vin Diesel in real life but they would be foolish to cut The Rock out of the franchise.
One thing I will always appreciate is the continued tribute to Paul Walker’s memory. In the movie, Dom talks about the “Buster” which is a nickname Dom gave Brian in the first movie. I also thought it was cool that Dom named his child Brian which ensures that the legacy of Paul Walker and his character Brian O’Connor live on forever. Most people think they will never make it to ten movies they want to but that’s what Paul wanted. Where do you go from here? Well Cipher is still here and on the loose. Could old enemies come back? Most people forget that Arturo Braga and Carter Verone are still alive. Could someone come back from the dead? We saw it with Letty and I personally would love to see it with Giselle. No matter what happens and Fast and Furious 9 I am enjoying the fact that Fast and Furious 8 was great. For me the Fast and Furious franchise is just as great as Rocky and Star Wars. They keep re-inventing themselves, and they keep throwing the audience surprises. If you haven’t seen the movie I suggest you do. Their fate will keep you on the edge of your seat!
