Directed by James Wan and screenplay by Chris Morgan from characters created by Gary Scott Thompson, Furious 7 is the story of Dominic Torretto, Brian O’Conner, and the rest of their family being hunted down by an assassin wanting vengeance while the team tries to recover a computer chip with the aid of the chip‘s designer. The film is a revenge film of sorts where it’s the good guys that are being hunted where they have to go after the hunter before he kills them all. Starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne Johnson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, Elsa Pataky, Djimon Hounsou, Kurt Russell, Nathalie Emmanuel, Ronda Rousey, Tony Jaa, Lucas Black, and Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw. Furious 7 is a wild and exhilarating film from James Han.
Picking up where the last film leaves off, it revolves around a group of drivers who consider themselves family where the events in the last mission have them being hunted by a former assassin in Deckard Shaw whose brother Owen (Luke Evans) was crippled and left in a coma by Dominic Torretto (Vin Diesel) and his team. For Torretto, the recent death of one of his friends and the attempt on the life of him and his family forces him to find Shaw and stop him as he is aided by a covert ops agent named Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell) to stop Shaw and retrieve a computer software chip that has surveillance on everyone known as God’s Eye. With Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker), Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez), Roman Pierce (Tyrese Gibson), and Tej Parker (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) on the team while Mia Torretto (Jordana Brewster) is at a safe house in the Dominican Republic and DSS agent Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) recuperating from an attack from Shaw that nearly killed him. Torretto is forced to deal with someone that is dangerous.
While the script is very simple, there is a lot that is happening as it relates to the characters as Letty struggles to regain bits of her lost memories while O’Conner is also coping with being a father as he is unaware that Mia is pregnant again. It adds a lot to what is at stake where it’s not just Torretto needing to make sure that his family stays together following the loss of key members as well as those like O’Conner who has another life that is far more important. Adding to these elements of what is stake where the team has to retrieve the designer of this software named Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) who has been captured by friends of Shaw that wants God’s Eye so they can use it for themselves. The chip is a MacGuffin but it does play into a lot of what needs to be done where it is a good plot device while screenwriter Chris Morgan also provides some laughs and dramatic moments that do give the film some depth but also not take itself so seriously.
James Wan’s direction is definitely stylish as he doesn’t really do anything new in terms of what is expected in compositions and action sequences. Yet, he does manage to do a lot more in the latter where it borders the line of ridiculous and insanity but all in a very fun way. Shot in various locations such as Los Angeles, Abu Dhabi, Tokyo, and some shots in Atlanta and mountains in Colorado, the film has a global feel that is massive where Wan does take advantage of the locations while maintaining something that plays into a world where everything is in danger. The usage of wide and medium shots are prevalent throughout while Wan also maintains an intimacy for the non-action scenes where he knows where to give the audience a break on the action and establish what is going on and what needs to be done. The action sequences are intense as it adds to a lot of what is at stake while it also play into moments that are just unbelievable. Yet, it is so fun where has this energy that is just potent where it’s not just about car chases and violence but also the thrill of it. While the film’s ending is poignant as it relates to a key character in the franchise, it at least gives that character a fitting send-off. Overall, Wan creates a fun and exciting film about a bunch of street racers fighting against some crazed assassin.
Cinematographers Stephen F. Windon and Marc Spicer do excellent work with the cinematography in not just giving the many different locations a distinct look in its lighting but also employ elements of heightened lighting for scenes in Abu Dhabi as well as the scenes at night for Los Angeles. Editors Christian Wagner, Dylan Highsmith, Kirk Morri, and Leigh Folsom Boyd do amazing work in the editing where it does rely on fast-cutting techniques but it doesn’t go overboard while managing to establish what is going on while knowing when to slow things down. Production designer Bill Brzeski, with set decorator Danielle Berman and supervising art director Desma Murphy, does fantastic work with the look of the house that Dominic has lived most of his life as well as the workshop that Mr. Nobody plans everything while the rooms inside the Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers has this air of richness. Costume designer Sanja Milkovic Hays does nice work with the costumes as it’s mostly casual with the exception of the scenes in Abu Dhabi where everyone looked sharp including the ladies.
Special effects supervisor Daniel Sudick and visual effects supervisors Mark Curtis, Martin Hill, Kelvin McIlwain, Karen Murphy, and Mike Wassel do brilliant work with some of the special effects in the action sequences as well as some unique visual effects for the O’Conner character thanks in part from the work of stand-ins in Walker’s brothers Caleb and Cody. Sound designers Peter Brown, Stephen P. Robinson, and Ann Scibelli, along with sound editor Joe Dzuban, do superb work with the sound in creating the power of the engines as well as the sounds of gunfire and planes. The film’s music by Brian Tyler is wonderful for its mixture of orchestral music, electronic, and hip-hop as it plays into the frenetic world of street racing as well as the parties the characters go to as it is bombastic but also has its somber moments.
The casting by Anne McCarthy and Kellie Roy is terrific as it features some notable small roles from Ali Fazal as a friend of Ramsey in Abu Dhabi, John Brotherton as Mr. Nobody’s aide, Luke Evans as the comatose Owen Shaw, Noel Gugliemi as the street-race organizer Hector, Lucas Black as Fast & Furious 3 protagonist Sean Boswell who gives Torreto some belongings of the character Han, Tony Jaa as a henchman friend of Shaw, Miller and Charlie Kimsey as Brian and Mia’s son Jack, and Eden Estrella as Hobbs’ young daughter who provides some funny moments. Other notable small roles include Elsa Pataky in a wonderful role as associate and Hobbs’ new partner Elena Neves who watches over the injured Hobbs while Ronda Rousey is superb as security head for a billionaire in Abu Dhabi who fets into a brawl with Letty. Nathalie Emmanuel is excellent as Ramsey as a computer software designer who is rescued by Torretto and his team as she helps them retrieve the program she designed. Djimon Hounsou is fantastic as Shaw’s friend in mercenary Mose Jakande as a man that wants the God’s Eye software.
Kurt Russell is great as Mr. Nobody as a government agent who fills in for the injured Hobbs as helps Torretto and the gang to try and capture Shaw while Dwayne Johnson is brilliant as Luke Hobbs as a DSS agent who is confronted by Shaw and is nearly killed only to get angry when he returns for its climax. Jordana Brewster is amazing as Mia Torretto as Dom’s sister and Brian’s partner who stays home from the action as she has news for Brian that would force him to make a big decision. Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and Tyrese Gibson are hilarious in their respective roles as Tej and Roman as the two comic reliefs with Tej as the tech guy and Roman as the man with the big mouth. Michelle Rodriguez is phenomenal as Letty as Dom’s lover who is trying to recover her memory from the past while helping out the team where she gets herself into a brawl with a mean security head.
Jason Statham is incredible as Deckard Shaw as this former assassin who is a total loose cannon that is extremely pissed off and is not afraid in whoever he meets as he is a true antagonist and possibly the one person that can match everyone toe-to-toe. In one of his final performance, Paul Walker is marvelous as Brian O’Conner as a former cop/agent who is trying to adjust to family life while doing what he can to help Dom while coming to terms that his life of adventure might be coming to an end as it’s a fitting send-off to the actor with the aid of his brothers Caleb and Cody as stand-ins. Finally, there’s Vin Diesel in a remarkable role as Dominic Torretto as a street racer trying to protect his family from Shaw as he deals with the loss of a few friends and trying to get Letty back on her feet.
Furious 7 is a sensational film from James Wan. Armed with a great cast, thrilling action sequences, and an engaging story. The film isn’t just another high watermark for the franchise but it’s also a film that gives the late Paul Walker a fitting send-off for himself and the Brian O’Conner character. In the end, Furious 7 is a phenomenal film from James Wan.
Fast & Furious Films: (The Fast & the Furious) - (2 Fast 2 Furious) - (The Fast & the Furious: Tokyo Drift) - (Fast & Furious) - (Fast Five) - Fast & Furious 6 - (Fast & Furious 8)
© thevoid99 2016
Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 2/10/07 w/ Additional Edits.
Written and directed by Craig Brewer, Hustle & Flow tells the story of a pimp from Memphis decides to become a rapper hoping to find a better life for himself. A film about starting over and redemption, Brewer explores the world of Memphis hip-hop as well as the culture that surrounds it. Starring Terrence Howard, Taryn Manning, Anthony Anderson, Taraji P. Henson, D.J. Qualls, Paula Jai Parker, Elise Neal, Isaac Hayes, and rapper Chris "Ludacris" Bridges. Hustle & Flow is a superb film of music and redemption from Craig Brewer.
Hustling through the streets of Memphis as a pimp, Djay (Terrence Howard) is still trying to make ends meet. Though being a pimp has brought him a bit of power and money, it only covers barely of what he is doing where he still lives in the ghettos of Memphis with a couple of prostitutes, Nola (Taryn Manning) and Shug (Taraji P. Henson) who is pregnant. Helping to make money as well is Lexus (Paula Jai Parker), but is often ungrateful towards him. While Djay is still a down-home boy to the locals, including bartender Arnel (Isaac Hayes), he ponders life without having to be a pimp. Even when he learns that a rapper he knew years ago named Skinny Black (Ludacris) has now made it big. After getting a little keyboard from a customer for cheap, Djay starts to become obsessed with music.
Running into an old school friend named Key (Anthony Anderson), he learns that Key is a recording producer who often produces church music to make a decent living. Djay realizes that Key is the chance he needs where he goes to his house and plays him a demo he made from the little keyboard as Key decides to be involved. Though Key's wife Yvette isn't sure about this, she understands it's a break from the monotonous job he’s doing. With help from a white musician named Shelby (D.J. Qualls), Key and Shelby create beats while Djay begins to flow whatever comes out of his mouth. Though Lexus didn't thing Djay's new thing would happen, Shug and Nola are intrigued. Eventually, Djay begins to evolve more despite some creative tension that’s settled by Shug. Shug's presence helped things where she created a hook for a song they've been working on and it becomes great although Key realizes they need better equipment to make it sound better.
Djay does some hustling with Nola to get a new microphone but Nola feels useless and frustrated with her role. Djay tells her that if they make it, Nola will become someone more important. With a new microphone, things start flowing as Djay's demo is nearly completed. Learning that Arlen is going to throw a private party that Skinny Black will be attending, Djay feels it's his chance to get that demo sent to Black. Arriving at the party with a new look and a gold chain, Djay hopes to make a chance thinking there's some history between him and black. Yet with the reality and Black's crass behavior, Djay wonders how far will it take for his dreams to come true.
The theme of redemption is a big engine that drives the plot of this film where it revels in its realism but also offers hope to audience. Writer/director Craig Brewer understands what it takes to make it into the music business in all of its harshness. Yet, it's really more about a man who makes a living dealing drugs and pimping hookers trying to see if there’s something more. Sure, Djay isn't a nice guys at times, making women vulnerable or being abusive towards them. Still, he tries to make something of himself and find some support from the people that surrounds him. Even if they’re dysfunctional, which is common in the South. Plus, Brewer's vision of a pimp reveals that not all of them wear suits or look intimidating and aren't always abusive towards their women. There's a complexity to the character of Djay while the support he has are characters that audiences can relate to. It's in Brewer's script and gritty, observant direction that really holds true.
Even in the environment of somewhere like Memphis, it really presents of what it's really like in the ghettos. There’s moments where it's crazy and it can be peaceful at times. Brewer shows both sides while he explores the world of music where in Memphis, it's very diverse. There's hip-hop, country, blues, and soul in this melting pot called Memphis and in parts of the film, there's a conversation of Southern hip-hop in relations to the blues and it makes perfect sense. Even in what D.J. Qualls character says that there's really a lot of similarities to a song like Backdoor Man to Back That Ass Up. While it may be a debate about the purity of Southern hip-hop among its fans and purists, it can't be denied of where it roots come from. Brewer understands that immediately and hip-hop is true definition of where that culture comes from. Even to the film’s plot where the music carries it to bring some excitement and entertainment to its audience.
Cinematographer Amy Vincent does excellent work in capturing the look of Memphis with it gritty, colorful camera work where it's not all bright or flashy. It's very real as is the art direction from production designer Keith Brian Burns and art director Alexa Marino. The look of the film from the dark bars, the streets, and the home of Djay where cup holder trays are used as sound proof walls are a fantastic touch to the film's authenticity. Costume designer Paul Simmons adds to that grittiness with these leather, short skirts that Nola wears or the kind of dirty, torn clothes that everyone else with the clean-like look that Key and Yvette wears. Editor Billy Fox does excellent work in the film's editing including a sequence with a lot of jump-cuts that involved Djay's supposed association with Skinny Black. Sound editors Greg Hedgepath and Frank Smathers with sound designer Brian W. Jennings do excellent work in capturing that atmosphere of recording and the world known as the South with train horns blaring and cars which speaks true to its environment.
Then there's the music that is a big part of the movie. Score composer Scott Bomar adds a moody, rhythmic texture to the score that adds the sense of tension and melancholia of where the film is. The rest of the film's soundtrack is dominated by touches of country music, blues, and soul music courtesy of the likes of Al Green and Buddy Guy. Then there's the hip-hop which features tracks written by Al Kapone, Lil' Jon, and Three-6 Mafia. The stuff that is performed by Terrence Howard like Whoop That Trick and the Oscar-winning It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp are catchy and memorable. The music is definitely inspiring and will make any audience go “Aww yeah!!!”
Then we have the film's cast that includes notable small performances from Josey Scott of Saliva as a store clerk, members of Three-6 Mafia as locals, and the legendary Isaac Hayes as the sympathetic bartender Arlen. Elise Neal is good as Key's supportive wife who doesn’t understand the ghetto world and believes to be neglected only to realize what's going on. Paula Jai Parker is pretty good as the combative, ungrateful Lexus who serves as an antagonist for Howard. Anthony Anderson and D.J. Qualls, both of whom are known for their comedic talents, give excellent performances that show more of their range in drama. Anderson as the more moralistic, cautious Key and Qualls as the more experimental, pot-smoking Shelby are two excellent, memorable characters that show the good and the bad of creativity.
Established rapper Ludacris gives a fine performance as the crass, egomaniac Skinny Black who seems friendly though he seems to be distracted by his own fame. Ludacris, who also appeared in Paul Haggis' Crash with Terrence Howard, proves that he can be a solid actor. Even in this performance of a rapper who seems to have betrayed his roots. Taryn Manning is wonderful as Nola, Djay's top earning hooker who is trying to find her footing as her character develops from a naive hooker to a woman who finds her own footing. Taraji P. Henson is great as the pregnant, supportive Shug whose vulnerability in her usefulness proves to have power when she sings. Henson shows a lot of development as someone insecure to someone who feels empowered when she sings.
Finally, there's Terrence Howard in what is truly an amazing role of not just 2005 but one of the best of the decade. Howard's complex, realistic, and engaging performance is truly inspiring to watch as a man who goes into this mid-life crisis and then, finds hope. Howard brings in all of the struggles, swagger, frustration, and warmth to a character that could've been sleazy since he is a pimp/drug dealer. Howard manages to find the humanity in the character to the point that he is relatable. When he's rapping and doing music, there is such joy in the performance that it looks like he's having a lot of fun. It's a fantastic performance from the talented Terrence Howard.
Hustle & Flow is a fantastic film from Craig Brewer that features a riveting performance from Terrence Howard. The film is definitely not just an inspirational story of redemption but also one that explores the world of Southern hip-hop and the world that is the American South. In the end, Hustle & Flow is a phenomenal film from Craig Brewer.
Craig Brewer Films: (The Poor and the Hungry) - Black Snake Moan - (Footloose (2011 film)
© thevoid99 2014
Directed by Justin Lin and written by Chris Morgan, Fast & Furious 6 is the sixth film of the Fast & Furious franchise in which Dominic Toretto, Brian O’Conner, and the rest of the gang are asked by DSS agent Luke Hobbs to stop a mercenary organization that features Dominic’s lover Letty Ortiz who had been presumed dead. Set almost entirely in Europe, the film has many of the characters from the previous film come together to not only get back one of their own and regain their freedom but also stop a mercenary team who wants to cause trouble for their lives. With Vin Diesel and Paul Walker both reprising their respective roles in Dominic Toretto and Brian O’Conner while being joined by other franchise regulars in Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, Gal Gadot, Sung Kang, Elsa Pataky, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Luke Hobbs. The film also stars Gina Carano and Luke Evans as Owen Shaw. Fast & Furious 6 is a sensationally fun film from Justin Lin.
The film sort of picks up where the last film has ended where Dominic Toretto, Brian O’Conner, Dominic’s sister Mia (Jordana Brewster), and Elena (Elsa Pataky) all live quietly in Spain just as Mia has given birth to Brian’s new son Jack. While the Torettos and many of their friends live rich and comfortable lives, they’re still wanted fugitives to the U.S. government until Luke Hobbs gives Dominic some startling news that his old flame Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez) is actually alive as she is working for a mercenary racing team led by criminal mastermind Owen Shaw. Dominic decides to help Hobbs as he and Brian gather their team to help Hobbs and in return get a full pardon so they can return to the U.S. Yet, Dominic and the gang realize how much trouble Shaw and his team are with Letty also complicating matters prompting Dominic, Brian, and Hobbs to find answers.
Chris Morgan’s screenplay doesn’t just reinforce the theme of family as that is what Dominic, Brian, Mia, and Letty are along with Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges), Han (Sung Kang), and Gisele (Gal Gadot). It’s a film that is about a family trying to get back one of their own once they realize that Letty is alive as she was presumed to be dead in the fourth film. For Brian, he feels guilty for putting Letty into that situation as he would seek answers to find out how she managed to stay alive while Dominic tries to reach out to her unaware that she has no memory of the life she had with Dominic. While the two and the rest of the gang were reluctant to work with Hobbs, they realize that Shaw is far more trouble as they help Hobbs nab him. Still, there is something about Shaw and his team that intrigues Dominic as there is a bit of mutual respect between the two as they both live by a code of honor.
Unfortunately, Shaw mocks Dominic’s idea of family as he tries to make his life and the life of his entire team troubling while being one step ahead of him as it prompts Dominic and the team to anticipate what Shaw will do. While Morgan’s script does balance the aspect of suspense and action into the story, there is also humor in the film as it relates to how each member of the team bring something to the table and how they get answers. Yet, it does play into a climax where the two teams collide as it isn’t just about survival but also about doing what is right.
Justin Lin’s direction is definitely stylish and slick where it does play into a lot of the conventions of mainstream action blockbusters. Yet, Lin does know how to balance action and suspense with some comedy while making sure that there is a story to tell and with characters that people care about. While there are a lot of moments where the camera is constantly moving as well as a wide second-unit shots of various locations such as Spain, Hong Kong, London, Costa Rica, and Los Angeles. Lin does manage to keep some things simple in terms of the compositions and scenes he creates where he injects a lot of light-hearted moments as well as scenes that reinforce the idea of family. The action sequences are definitely top-notch in not just some of the racing scenes where there’s cars driving through the traffic of London and Spain.
Since a lot of the racing scenes are fast, Lin knows how to establish exactly what is going on without getting too chaotic as well as play into the stakes of what is happening as it includes some very intense fight scenes. The fight scenes add to the action as it is very choreographed with such precision as it can be set in one location or something that involves a much more elaborate setting. It all plays to this sense of action and a gang trying to fight for what is right as well as proving that family is more important than a team who only works together for money. Overall, Lin crafts a very exhilarating yet thrilling film about a gang going against another racing gang to gain their freedom and bring back one of their own.
Cinematographer Stephen F. Windon does excellent work with the film‘s stylish and colorful cinematography with its emphasis on stylish lights for the scenes at night while keeping things simple yet broad for the daytime scenes. Editors Leigh Folsom-Boyd, Greg D’Auria, Christian Wagner, Kelly Matsumoto, and Dylan Highsmith do fantastic work with the editing where it does play into fast-cutting styles for much of the film‘s action sequences while slowing things down a bit for the non-action scenes. Production designer Jan Roelfs, with set decorator Richard Roberts and supervising art director James Hambidge, does brilliant work with the base where Hobbs and the team work at as well as Shaw‘s own home base where he plans his missions.
Costume designers Roberto Craciunica and Sanja Milkovic Hays do nice work with the costumes as it‘s mostly casual and to the point to play with the film‘s look. Visual effects supervisors Eric D. Christensen, Kelvin McIlwain, and Sean Stranks do terrific work with some of the minimal visual effects which is served as set dressing in order to keep the special effects be as realistic as it can be. Sound designers Peter Brown, Harry Cohen, Stephen P. Robinson, Peter Staubli, and Jay Wilkinson is superb for the sound layering of all of the noises that goes on as well as how the engines sound in those cars to showcase how much power they have. The film’s music by Lucas Vidal is wonderful for its mixture of orchestral bombast with some electronic music as the soundtrack features some score pieces from Brian Tyler from previous films as well as a mix of hip-hop and electronic music from Ludacris, deadmau5, Peaches, the Crystal Method, 2 Chainz & Wiz Khalifa, and T.I. with Lil’ Wayne.
The casting by Lucinda Syson is amazing as it features some notable appearances from Shea Whigham as O’Conner’s old FBI Stasiak, John Ortiz as the drug lord Braga that O’Conner confronts, and Elsa Pataky in a terrific performance as Elena Neves who understand what Dominic is going through as she stays behind with Mia in Spain. In the roles of Shaw’s team, there’s Clara Paget as the blonde driver Vegh, Kim Kold as the muscle Klaus, Benjamin Davies as the driver/fighter Adolfson, and Joe Taslim as the martial artist Jah who gives Han and Roman a very hard time in a memorable fight scene. Gina Carano is wonderful as Hobbs’ partner Riley as she is a badass who helps the team while going toe-to-toe against Letty in a very memorable fight scene. Luke Evans is fantastic as the main antagonist Owen Shaw as this mercenary who believes in a code that is about precision and getting the job done as he aims to make things hard for Dominic and his team.
Tyrese Gibson and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges are superb in their respective roles as Roman and Tej with Gibson being the wise-cracking member of the gang and Bridges as the more technical-based gadgets man. Gal Gadot is excellent as Gisele as this woman who is good with weapons and cars while also using her sex appeal to get some answers. Sung Kang is brilliant as Han as the driver who knows how to get things done while being the chameleon who can blend in towards any situation. Jordana Brewster is very good as Mia Toretto who stays behind in Spain to take care of her newborn son while hoping that Brian and Dominic bring Letty home. Michelle Rodriguez is incredible as Letty Ortiz as Dominic’s former lover who has no memory of her old life as she becomes confused about what she’s doing for Shaw as well as what Dominic tries to tell her.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is marvelous as Luke Hobbs as a special agent who asks Dominic and Brian’s help to capture Shaw and his team while giving them something in return as Johnson brings some humor and some intensity as he proves to be a vital part of the film’s success. Paul Walker is great as Brian O’Conner as a former agent turned criminal who takes part in the job to find some answers as he takes some major risks for the team as Walker is the perfect straight man to his partner-in-crime in Vin Diesel. Vin Diesel is remarkable as Dominic Toretto as a man who learns that his lost live is alive as he tries to get her back while dealing with Shaw as he tries to regain his freedom and put together the family he had come to care for.
Fast & Furious 6 is a phenomenal film from Justin Lin that features top-notch performances from a great ensemble cast led by Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Not only is it an action blockbuster that has a lot of elements that gets audiences excited but it’s also a film with substance as it has a very engaging story and characters that audiences can root for. It’s also a film that allows the franchise to be taken seriously as it is a film that is a whole lot of fun but also has some brains. In the end, Fast & Furious 6 is an exciting and enthralling film from Justin Lin that kicks a lot of ass and more.
Fast & Furious Films: (The Fast & the Furious) - (2 Fast 2 Furious) - (The Fast & the Furious: Tokyo Drift) - (Fast & Furious) - (Fast Five) - Furious 7
© thevoid99 2014
