The Fate of the Furious (2017) - USA
Reviewed by Andrew Chan
The eighth film in the highly successful series managed to kick out the box office storm with over USD 1 billion worldwide. It almost goes without saying that the Fate of the Furious is star-studded. Vin Diesel, The Rock, Jason Statham and Charlize Theron are all action icons in their own rights. What sets Furious apart from its competition is that over the top and unbelievable car stunts are their motto. Apart from some allusions to the so-called family themes, the film doesn't take itself too seriously and aims for real popcorn entertainment and making everything loud and clear.
Vin Diesel continues to headline the franchise and this time he meets his biggest nemesis yet, being his own car stunts team. The short showdown between Statham and The Rock in the prison cells show just how high powered this film is turning out to be. Both the Rock and Statham carried the film well in their supporting roles. Michelle Rodriguez is given the role of being both the heroine and cry baby, meanwhile Charlie's Theron is criminally underused in both the car scenes and action prowess. Given her recent efforts in Atomic Blonde, it's a bit of a shame that she ended up behind computers most of the time. Scott Eastwood is a bad actor and he is simply no Paul Walker's replacement.
All in all, the Fate and the Furious works best when it is all out action and spectacular car stunts. The pilling of cars in the middle of New York is fun. It's also great when the entire cast seems to be having just as much fun as the audience. The franchise is now into the eighth film and does not seem to be stopping under any circumstances. A sequel is already planned.
I rated it 3.5/5
Out on 4K Ultra HD Blu Ray and Steelbook at: https://neofilmshop.com/search?q=fate+and+furious
