Some film series are planned right from the get-go, especially when based upon literary sources (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, etc.).  Others naturally evolve when audience interest exceeds prediction (James Bond, Batman, etc.).  Still others defy the odds, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, or the Fast and the Furious.  It astonishes me that there have been seven of these car racing action films, and that they have achieved resounding financial success.

This seventh film minimizes street racing in favor of military-style action.  James Wan’s movie boasts incredible action sequences and stunt work, with cars literally falling out of the sky and vehicles tumbling over cliffs.  Although the same characters remain, these are not the same people who began this series.  Everything has been amped up to the nth degree, mainly because of a psycho (Jason Statham) bent on revenge for the death of his brother at the hands of our heroes.

This is such a strange series — Vin Diesel and his cohorts are held together because they operate as “family,” yet they continually accept tasks and risks that would kill any normal family.  The stunts and death-defying scenarios, as cool as they are to behold, are things that James Bond wouldn’t attempt, yet they have become second nature to these friends, seemingly only because their love for each other protects them from harm.  It’s a bit much at times.

This episode features two key components besides the stunt work.  First, amnesiac Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) begins to recall her past; the second is having to deal with the death of Paul Walker, who plays Brian O’Conner.  Walker died in a car accident last year.  Brian O’Conner is in the movie all the way through, and then — in a very classy exit strategy — takes a different path from Dom Toretto (Diesel).  The film’s last ten minutes or so comprises a farewell to Paul Walker, and it is undeniably emotional for both the cast and the audience.  Here’s the thing: as much as I find fault in these movies for their unbelievable plots, their glorification of irresponsible driving, their pedestrian writing, I find myself moved by the tribute to one of their own, Paul Walker.  I don’t even like the guy much as an actor, yet I feel the depth of the love and respect presented for him, and that expression uplifts the final minutes of this movie.  Rest in peace, Paul.  ☆ ☆ 1/2.  18 May 2015.