VENGEANCE HITS HOME.

Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his crew are targeted by the brother (Jason Statham) of their latest nemesis, who wants revenge.

Horror director James Wan’s first action pic firmly takes this franchise into Mission: Impossible territory, but forgets a few basic rules. We have to believe that the good guys are actually in danger – otherwise, what’s the point? Elaborate action scenes, including a marvelously insane chase midway through, and it’s fun watching Dwayne Johnson turn into a complete comic-book character.

Goes a little too far, but the filmmakers do give Paul Walker a proper send-off that is emotional and true to his character (and the actor).

2015-U.S. 137 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by James Wan. Song: “See You Again” (performed by Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Puth). Cast: Vin Diesel (Dominic Toretto), Paul Walker (Brian O’Conner), Dwayne Johnson (Luke Hobbs), Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jason Statham, Kurt Russell, Djimon Hounsou, Gal Gadot… Luke Evans.

Trivia: Alternative title: Fast & Furious 7. Co-produced by Diesel. Walker died in the middle of shooting this film; his performance was completed with the aid of his brothers Caleb and Cody as stand-ins, as well as digital reanimation. Followed by The Fate of the Furious (2017).