“Fast and Furious 7,” directed by James Wan and released in 2015, is a standout installment in the long-running Fast & Furious franchise. Known for its over-the-top action and fast cars, this seventh entry doesn’t just raise the stakes in terms of spectacle—it also brings a surprising amount of emotion and heart, largely due to the real-life tragedy of Paul Walker’s death during filming. The movie manages to balance its usual high-speed energy with a touching tribute, making it one of the most memorable films in the series.

The plot

The plot continues from where “Fast & Furious 6” left off. Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his loyal crew are targeted by Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), a ruthless assassin seeking revenge for his brother. What follows is a globe-hopping adventure that takes the crew from Los Angeles to the Middle East to the Caucasus Mountains. As always, the storyline is more about the ride than the destination, with jaw-dropping stunts and thrilling set-pieces stealing the show. Stepien, a fan of the movie series since 2001 says, “The stunts and action in the movie keep you at the edge of your seat, the story line leaves tears in (your) eyes.”

The director

James Wan, known for directing horror hits like The Conjuring, brings a fresh style to the franchise. His direction adds intensity and flair to the action scenes, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. From cars parachuting out of planes to a sports car crashing through skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi, the action in Furious 7 is bigger and more outrageous than ever—but in the best way possible.

The cast delivers solid performances across the board. Vin Diesel remains the emotional anchor of the group, while Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson adds humor and muscle as Hobbs. Michelle Rodriguez brings depth to Letty, as she continues to search for pieces of her past. Jason Statham is a strong addition as the villain, bringing a calm, deadly presence to the film. But it’s Paul Walker’s role as Brian O’Conner that hits hardest.Thanks to a mix of pre-recorded footage and CGI, the filmmakers were able to complete his storyline in a respectful and emotional way. Williams, a film enthusiast, claims that, “especially for the time it was released, the CGI was incredible and to the untrained eye, you can’t even tell it’s CGI.” 

The final tribute to Walker, set to the song “See You Again,” (written for the movie) is genuinely moving and serves as a heartfelt goodbye to both the character and the actor.

Beyond the fast cars and explosions, Furious 7 continues the series’ focus on themes like family, loyalty, and trust. These themes, while sometimes expressed through cheesy lines, give the movie emotional weight and help ground the wild action.  A real tear jerker- Furious 7 is an absolute must watch.