Forever Fast, Forever Furious
Whether you find this film series to be mindlessly entertaining or you still can’t believe it has gone on for as long as it has, its success can’t be denied. Given how a spin-off featuring two of its most popular characters is gearing up for its own release, what better time to look back at the cars, crashes and craziness of this frantic franchise!
#5: I Owe You a 10-Second Car
“The Fast and the Furious†(2001)
We go back to where it all began, when the chase between Brian and Dom concludes with a quarter-mile drag race across a railway crossing. It’s a long ten seconds, and a lot of emotional weight is carried in this scene, especially considering Brian has already revealed he’s an LAPD officer and we’ve witnessed how he’s transformed and become attached to Dom and his family. So, as Toretto crashes his father’s Charger, our hearts stop. While it’s a spectacle, the stakes are too high to enjoy it completely, but thankfully he makes it out okay, and Brian gives him the keys to his car so he can escape.
#4: Skyscraper Jump
“Furious 7†(2015)
Okay, jumping from one building to another is definitely an insane thought to entertain. But unless they want to be shot to pieces by a persistent Deckard Shaw, Brian and Dom are out of options. A profile shot of the car soaring to the next building with the glaring sun in the background is a stunning sight that allows viewers to get a breath in before it crashes into the next building. The bad news is that the brakes are gone. The good news? Another building is there to catch them.
#3: Runway
“Fast & Furious 6†(2013)
We’ll get it out of the way up front: yes, it’s a freakishly long landing strip, but it does allow for this amazing action sequence. At this point, we’ve come to realize that cars aren’t our main characters’ only specialty, as the crew brings down a plane just before it takes off. Before that, though, an intense fist and gunfight ensues inside the aircraft. The stakes are high as Mia is held captive and Owen is about to make his escape. We see the ‘Furious’ part kick in when Brian, Dom and Letty attempt their rescue. This sequence is not only exciting but also heartbreaking as well, as Gisele sacrifices herself to save Han.
#2: C-130 Drop
“Furious 7†(2015)
As the movies progress, the stunts get more and more wildly outlandish, constantly trying to one-up the one that came before it. But, as is the case with any great sequence, the suspense and set-up are as important as the payoff. Roman’s apprehension about driving out of an airborne plane mimics the jitters viewers get while watching, and adds to the anticipation. But cars free-falling from an immense height and parachuting to the ground is all in a day’s work for this family. Oh and Roman: we don’t think hitting the brake pedal is going to stop your descent…
#1: See You Again
“Furious 7†(2015)
Kudos to James Wan and the studio for changing the ending of this film to pay tribute to Paul Walker. His death shook fans worldwide, and the ending to the 7th movie sent his character off in a sad, but heartwarming, way, celebrating his life and what he contributed to the films. The scene where Brian and Dom part ways is accompanied by the beautiful original song, “See You Again,†which tugs at our heartstrings. While the franchise continues to power on with adrenaline-fueled stunts and action sequences, it certainly won’t be the same without Paul Walker.
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Best Fast and Furious Characters.
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