As most of you know, I love these films. I live these films. Ride or die, I will watch these films until the end of days.
The Fate of the Furious is no exception. Loaded with insane action, wonderful one liners and a budding romance between The Rock and Jason Statham, Fate proves that this franchise is simply invincible.
The main plot involves Dom being blackmailed (by Charlize Theron of all fucking people) into betraying his family and going rogue, forcing his former teammates to rally against their leader and save the world from World War III.
Let me repeat that. The Fate of the Furious is basically about stopping World War III. Here's hoping the next installment is about stopping World War IV.
Jesus Christ I just love these movies. Not only do they know exactly what they are (FUN), but ever since Fast Five the action on display is legit great and absolutely bonkers.
Fate is of course the first film not to feature Paul Walker's character Brian O'Connor. Walker was never the most versatile actor, but his chemistry with his cast mates was real, and his presence, while still felt in Fate, is also sorely missed. As much as I love Vin, his hulk of a Dom is not enough to carry these movies by himself.
Which I think is why the filmmakers made sure to beef up Dwayne Johnson's role this time out. Dwayne is on fire here, giving so many amazing lines involving punching asses and brushing teeth. The man sweats charisma and is completely aware of what kind of movie he is in and plays it to 11 and I couldn't love it more.
Except then he becomes best friends with Jason Statham and I do love it more.
Now, there has been some controversy over Statham's character this time out. As you all know, Statham killed our beloved Han in Furious 6 (or Tokyo Drift, depending on how sworn to the timeline you are) so the fact that he blends right into the crew in this one is a little jarring, even with a franchise as silly as this.
But you know, one of the things I love most about these movies is their willingness for consistency and continuity, especially with character interaction. If you're family, you're family forever. If you're not, you're fucked forever. So in theory, Statham should be banned and tortured and forever fucked.
BUT, Fate not only makes the wise decision to pair Statham up with Dwayne as often as possible, but it also makes the wise choice to utilize funny Jason Statham.
Now look, Statham is always great. He fights great. He looks great. But he's also really fucking funny. This should be no surprise, as he displayed these chops all the way back in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch years ago. And we all know how good the Crank movies are of course. Oh, and lets all admit he was the only good thing about Spy.
Holy shit, why doesn't this guy do more comedy?
Anyway, Statham fights multiple dudes and has a gunfight on a jet all while holding a baby. So yea, I forgive him for killing Han.
Another highlight of the film is a prison break sequence with Johnson and Statham that is as ridiculous and gravity defying as we've come to expect, and it's simply wonderful. Seriously, if the last two movies are just these two I would be more than happy.
The film has a true secret weapon though. A true stroke of genius. The casting of Scott Eastwood. Scott is the son of Clint, of course. and he is the spitting image of his dad. However, he got zero of his screen presence. He is awful and sucks the energy out of every scene he's in. I mean, this guy fucking sucks. Was it possible they just cast him thanks to his famous last name? Sure. But I've become convinced it was for something much more maniacal. The filmmakers decided they needed to let the world know just how much this dude sucks, because who else could be truly roasted by Tyrese in every scene they are in and it seem legitimate? Why else would you put this stupid idiot next to the charismatic behemoth that is Dwayne Johnson? WHY ELSE WOULD YOU HAVE THIS MORON STAND NEXT TO KURT. FUCKING. RUSSELL if for nothing else but to show how awful he is?
Oh hell, he doesn't ruin the movie in the slightest, but he sucks.
I digress.
You guys, The Fate of the Furious is great. Statham and Johnson are the highlights, but the action is as good and goofy as ever and its theme of family above all else is here through and through. Not a fan? Then don't watch it. Duh. Otherwise, grab a corona and enjoy.
