The Fate of the Furious (2017)
3 Stars out of 5
Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GvX2uexGkA
Right of the bat, I have to point out that there is a MASSIVE void in The Fate of the Furious with the absence of Paul Walker. There is no getting around this. Throw in the fact that Jordana Brewster is also MIA, the canyon is even wider. I expected this to happen with her. You can't have her still in the franchise without Paul's character. It would just point out the fact that he wasn't around when their characters are living a peaceful life now. I miss them both as most fans of the series do. With that out of the way, onto the flick itself. I mentioned in Furious 7 (http://pennycan.createaforum.com/dvd's-blu-rays/furious-7-(2015)/msg36125/#msg36125) how much of a cartoon the series was turning into. Well, take everything that happens in Furious 7 and multiply that by 1000 and you have an inkling of what Furious 8 is. This movie is so over the top ridiculous in it's stunts and practicality. You definitely have to check your brain at the door before you sit down for this one. I'm not exaggerating here in how over the top it gets, from the "Zombie" Cars in the city to the Submarine Chase. It's out there. The movie serves up a lot of wow moments. It's an exciting 2 hour thrill ride. Charlize Theron is a great addition to the series and is sure to come back for more (I hope). Helen Mirren was a nice surprise...playing against type. Well, she got a taste of that in Red. Anyway, the movie is fun...but I can't give it more than 3 Stars due to the fact that both Paul and Jordana are sorely missed. FYI, I absolutely knew that Dom (Vin Disel) was going to name his kid 'Brian'. It was so obvious where they were taking this. It was a nice touch. Worth a Rent.