In the year 2013 the world was shocked by the tragic death of actor Paul Walker, myself included. I remember it vividly, like it was yesterday. It is strange that with events like those, you still remember what you were doing at the time. I had just finished eating breakfast and put on the television to check the news, and then I read it: Paul Walker killed in car accident. I literally screamed out loud at the television screen. I was shocked and devastated that such a young and promising actor was killed in such a way. The filming of part 7 of the franchise he was so well known for, the Fast and the Furious, was already well under way. The way they eventually dealt with his death was done in a very respectful way. And now, this year we have the release of part 8, where we get to see how the franchise will continue without Paul.
The Fast & Furious 8 starts off in Cuba where Dom is enjoying his honeymoon together with his girl Letty. All seems well for a change, but as usual this is very shortlived. Dom gets a call from his old buddy Hobbs to help steal a device, that in the wrong hands could end up hurting a lot of people. It is not long before the team gets put back together and the heist begins. However, just when they make their escape, a very unexpected thing happens: Dom betrays everyone, and ends up with the device firmly in his possession. Later Dom is seen together with a mysterious woman who has very sinister plans. This is the beginning of a test to see just how strong the bonds of family really are….
While I am writing this, there are already reports that this movie has made a record world wide opening of $532.5 million dollars. If that isn’t crazy, I don’t know what is. I don’t think anyone would have predicted this when part 1 was released way back in 2001. But is part 8 a worthy addition to the franchise? Well…yes and no. Let us start with the good stuff first. One thing this franchise has always been good at, is action, and on that front the movie does not disappoint. There are some absolutely crazy action scenes in this one, and as usual they are completely over the top and unrealistic. But it really is hard not to smile when a bunch of cars on an icefield get followed by a huge submarine, just to describe a scene.
The story, which ofcourse is always put in second place in movies such as these, was this time around given some more layers. It seems that this year we get a new trend that good characters seem to turn to the dark side. Even though the movie had plenty of action, there were still a few scenes that were only dialogue driven. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, but with this being the longest Fast and the Furious to date I felt it would have been better that a few of those scenes were cut. The movie did feel too long in the end.
One of the best things in this movie was definitely actress Charlize Theron in her role as the villain Cypher. I would even go so far as to say that she was the most interesting villain from the entire franchise. Other high marks must go to Jason Statham, who has some of the coolest scenes in the movie. The rest of the cast were fine, but occasionally it deed feel as if they were all acting on autopilot. And that was a recurring theme in this movie. Yes it was a lot of fun, and I really did enjoy it enough to warrant the price for the ticket. But I did feel that this time around there was just something missing. Maybe it’s just that it doesn’t feel as fresh anymore as all the previous installments. With a part 9 and 10 already confirmed, one has to wonder where they are going next and if too much of a good thing is….well…too much.
However this was still a, if you pardon the pun, fun ride all around. Even though Paul Walker’s presence is definitely missed, Fast 8 delivers enough thrills and fun to make a trip to the cinema worth your time. With a lot of great and spectacular action sequences, comedic banter and a great villain, The Fast and the Furious has not yet run out of fuel. One has to wonder though how long it will be until they are going to run on empty….
I give the Fast and the Furious 8 a 8 out of 10 score.
I expect nothing but entertainment from these films…and i guess it’s going to deliver on that front.
And thanks to you, I am excited about Charlize Theron!
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Well, it certainly delivers on that department,and Charlize is great. She already impressed me a lot in the new Mad Max Movie Fury Road 😊 I hope you will enjoy the movie 😀
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I’m watching the first movie as I type this, I think I actually know this movie off by heart 😂 I was kind of disappointed to find out they were continuing the franchise after 7. But then I heard that Paul Walker had helped write 8 before his death (not sure if that’s true or just rumour). I can’t wait to see Charlize Theron, she’s pretty much brilliant in everything. The fact you gave this movie 8/10 makes me hopeful, I’ll have to go watch it soon ☺
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I have actually not seen the first one in quite a while, but I have definitely seen it enough times to know it almost by heart too lol 😂 I have not heard of that rumour, so I don’t know if it is true. I can’t remember seeing his name amongst the credits. While part 7 was just incredible, it would have been almost impossible to have the same level of quality for this one. Still if you enjoy the Fast and the Furious franchise, you will get a kick out of this one. Hope you will enjoy the film, and ofcourse thank you for your comment 😊
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Well you sold it to me, I’m going to see it tonight 😀
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Haha, well I hope you will enjoy the film, have fun 😊
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I have never seen any of the movies as it’s not something I would tend to watch but this was an enjoyable read as always. ☺
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Thank you as always. Well, these movies are what I usually like to call, mindless fun. Sure they pretty much defy all logic (lol), but they make up for it in the fun department and the action 😊 If there is one I would recommend, it is part 7, as it is also a beautiful farewell to actor Paul Walker 😊
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I think that is where lies the problem with moi. I’ve never been one to watch mindless tv because I have never grown up doing so or even having a tv in my room which is barely viewed unless it’s a particular show but I do understand why some people do so. Sometimes you just want to ‘switch off’ I suppose. And of course despite the movie’s, Paul Walker will be never be forgotten.
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Though these movies makes a lot of money, do you know if they costs a lot of money to make it? They got all the cool cars in the movie though.. I think I haven’t seen any of the 8 fast and furious movies and wow, I’m really surprised that there will be 10 of them! Which one do you like most from 1 to 8? Excellent review by the way!
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They definitely cost enough money to make, but not as much as they are bringing in. Especially not with box-office figures like these. As for your question, I think I liked part 7 the most, simply because it held a lot of emotional content. The way they pay tribute to Paul Walker’s death, was done in a very respectful and touching way. That said, it also is one of the most entertaining parts of the franchise, containing some highly inventive action sequences. I am pretty much a fan of this franchise, and enjoy almost every installment, though not every part is as good. Thanks for the kind words: really appreciate it 😊
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The previews of these movies always looks so cool though. I just didn’t have the chance to get into it.. maybe someday since they are still making hahaha.. And you’re welcome. I do really like your reviews! They are very informative. You are knowledgeable with your movies 🙂
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I think the charm of these movies wore off on my by #2. Paul Walker’s character had a semi interesting arc in the first one, but I just could not get into any of the movies afterward.
Needless to say I’m pretty confused about the type of story this franchise turned into. #8 especially looks like a Michael Bay movie, with all the connotations that implies, so I’m surprised that you gave it a good score.
Maybe it’s time I check one of these out again? Furious 7 seems to have gotten decent ratings too.
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I woud recommend starting at part 5. That was the moment the franchise started to turn into something good and fun again. Part 6 is highly entertaining,and part 7…well let’s just say that that one just has a very touching story, and a very beautiful and respectful goodbye to Paul Walker. I hope you will enjoy those 3. As for part 8, while I did find it less entertaining than the previous parts, there was still enough to enjoy, and as such give it a good score. They will have to come up with something original however for part 9, to keep things interesting.
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I’ve never watched this film but looking at the pictures, I can see so many really famous actors and actresses! Just about everyone is a familiar face in the Hollywood Industry. It probably makes the viewing experience more enjoyable.
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It definitely does help that there are a lot of good and famous actors in it. But despite that, the movies themselves are a lot of fun too 😊😊 Hope you will get a chance to see them someday, they are a lot of fun 😀
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I made it two (three?) movies into this series and stopped. There was no real reason for it – I just lost interest. Caught a few snippets of the later fiims here and there but that’s it.I still remember the first one fondly..
That said, this installment seems to be doing a damn good job without Walker. It’s odd to imagine the series without him though.
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Yes, it is still odd to see the films without him. There is a nice tribute to him in this one as well though. It was very subtle, but still pretty touching.
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I’ve never seen any of these movies, but I really enjoyed this review. It sounds like a good movie for fans of this genre 🙂
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I heard so many good things about this film. I wasn’t excited about it before but now I kind of. I will make sure to watch this film sooner. Good review as always!
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I really enjoyed the movie. They never disappoint. I cant like I cried likea baby i the last movie when they respectfully talked about Paul Walker. But this movie did seem very long but I’m always game for a Fast and Furious movie regardless the length.
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Well, luckily there will still be a part 9 and 10 to look forward to in the future. Although I have no idea where they are going to take the franchise next. The ending of part 7 was definitely heartbreaking, I cried as well. It was really respectfully done, and a great way to say goodbye to Paul.
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Just saw it tonight. Fun movie, though I thought 7 was a little better. I really liked how well Statham and Johnson played off each other, and always get a kick out of Helen Mirren showing up in films like this.
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Helen Mirren is a great actress, and I was actually quite surprised to see her turn up in this movie: great stuff 😊
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i’ve pretty much enjoyed all the previous movies (except tokyo drift, can’t say about that one because i haven’t watched it) but there was something about this one i just didn’t like. maybe it’s because i miss walker, maybe it’s because it felt really different from the others
but yeah, i didn’t feel like i wasted my money going to watch it xD
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I agree with you on the fact that there was something in this movie, that for some reason did just not feel right. I really wonder with sequels nr 9 and 10 on the way, what they can do to really become interesting enough to name it worth yet another trip to the cinema. As for Tokyo Drift, there are a lot of people that don’t enjoy that one, but I am not one of them. Perhaps it’s because it’s set in Japan, abd I love everything Asian, that I like it so much 😊
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it’s the only one i still need to watch xD i should probably watch it lol
yeah, i wasn’t really sure what they were going to do with this movie. now that he has a kid and brain is settled down, hobbs isn’t in the force anymore, etc. it makes me wonder what’s going to happen, it just felt like an end in this movie but 2 more on the way @_@
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Yeah well, who knows: with things getting more abd more crazy with every film, they might be heading to outer space or something like that 😂 Whatever the case, I will probably still go and see it anyway 😊
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