I don't believe there's anything that Vin Diesel takes as seriously as he seems to take everything. This becomes evident when he posted on Thanksgiving about his longing to "get back to real street racing, practical stunts… and a reunion of that beautiful brotherhood" in the Fast and Furious series that made him a global movie star. As the resident Fast and the Furious fan in the Autopian office, I can attest to the unique charm of these films. Vin Diesel's Call for a Fast and Furious Return
The Fast and the Furious: A Patently Ridiculous Start
The first film in the series, "The Fast And The Furious," is a wild ride filled with over-the-top action and undeniable entertainment. It introduced us to a world of street racing and a group of characters that would become household names. The cars were amazing, and the sense of camaraderie among the crew was palpable. Even though it might seem absurd on the surface, it captured the essence of the franchise in its early days.
However, the series took a detour with "2 Fast, 2 Furious," which lacked Vin Diesel but introduced Tyrese and Ludacris. This film was a more conventional sequel, yet it laid the groundwork for the diverse cast that would follow. It showed that the franchise could adapt and continue to grow.
Fast And The Furious Three: Tokyo Drift - A New Direction
The introduction of a new cast in "Fast And The Furious Three: Tokyo Drift" brought a fresh perspective to the franchise. Set in Tokyo, this film added a new flavor to the story and introduced Han, further blurring the chronological order. It was a departure from the original formula but still managed to hold the audience's attention.
The transition from one location to another and the introduction of different driving styles made this film a standout in the series. It showed the versatility of the Fast and Furious universe.
Fast & Furious - Bringing the Crew Together
"Fast & Furious" brought all the main crew members together for the fourth film, marking a significant moment in the franchise. While it took a slightly darker turn, it still centered around the street racers and their adventures. Whether they were engaging in crime or doing good, the bond between the characters was at the forefront.
The action scenes in this film were intense, and the chemistry among the actors was palpable. It set the stage for the future adventures of the Fast and Furious crew.
Furious 7 - The Turning Point
"Furious 7" saw the crew teaming up with Kurt Russel and a spy agency, taking the franchise in a new direction. While the movie was still enjoyable with the presence of Charlize Theron and Jason Statham, the use of cars to disable a nuclear sub was a bit of a stretch.
However, the driving scenes remained excellent, especially when the crew chased a bunch of buses up Pikes Peak. It showcased the practical stunts that Vin Diesel was referring to and reminded us of the heart of the franchise.
Vin Diesel's words on Thanksgiving hold a lot of weight. His desire to get back to the roots of the Fast and Furious series is understandable. The early films were filled with heart, action, and a sense of community that has been somewhat lost in the later installments. It's time to bring back that beautiful brotherhood and the essence of real street racing.