FURIOUS 7 [2015]

Horror movie director James Wan makes his first step into jaw-dropping actions films with the latest instalment of The Fast & The Furious franchise,  the tritely-titled Furious 7.
Dom, O'Connor & the rest of the family are back for, yet again, one last job, this time hilariously saving the world from Owen Shaw's nastier older brother.  Like it's predecessors, it lacks in brains, depth or a whole lot of thought-provoking substance but excels in ridiculous, but cheer-worthy action sequences, a sincere heart and an entertaining multicultural cast.  With Paul Walker's death looming over the film, it doesn't let up on the fun as the absurd action kicks into high-gear within seconds of the opening titles.  It's a surprisingly tasteful way to bid farewell to Walker's character, but, as of writing this, the film has passed the $1 billion mark at the box office which guarantees future rides from Diesel and the gang.

3½ Tokyo drifts out of 5

FAST & FURIOUS 6 [2013]

Director Justin Lin's 6th and final film in The Fast & The Furious franchise takes the family out of the exotic locations of before and lands them in the gritty land of England and tea & scones.
Sure, it's short on brains, character development and much of a storyline but that's not really what fans are here for.  It delivers by the meat-headed truckloads with vehicular carnage, bloody hand-to-hand combat, silly but good natured humor, insanely choreographed action sequences that go way over the top and...well...a tank.
With Lin stepping down and Insidious director James Wan stepping in for the next film, I can't wait, seeing as the post credits scene made me wet my pants with fanboy anticipation.

3 F&F family doppelgangers out of 5

THE FACULTY [1998]

From Dusk Till Dawn director Robert Rodriguez and Scream writer Kevin Williamson comes this tongue-in-cheek homage to Invasion Of The Body Snatchers.

The Faculty takes the concept of "my teachers are all aliens" and literally does it.  It lacks in originality and has some groan-worthy moments but makes up for it with it's fast pacing and the entertaining hammed-up performances from all the teachers.  

It's pretty dumb but still kind of fun too.

2½ aliens that dress better than humans out of 5

FAST FIVE [2011]

Playing like a who's who of the Fast & Furious franchise, Fast Five brings nearly all the past characters together for a royal rumble, like a grungy Ocean's 11.
Sure, it's filled with cliches and predictable plot points but it's just so damned rough and loud you don't care. Hell, Vin Diesel and The Rock trade punches like it's nobody's business.  They really toned down on the bad hip-hop music and the pointless 'tits & ass' shots to focus more on the outrageous action.
If this is this was the grand finale, then I'd be happy. It's not though....watch for an extra scene after the credits, for an insanely SILLY "jaw-dropper" setting up for another sequel.

3½ Mobile Bank Vaults out of 5

THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS [2001]

B-listers Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez go "vroom-vroom" all over this vibrantly stylish and brainless action flick.

The dialogue, acting and plot points come off as an insanely horrible 90's video game, taking elements of Top Gun and Point Break. Aimed at the MTV douchebag & ADD generation, it was sure to make millions and spawn off several sequels...as the mini-scene after the end credits proves.

...and the worst part? The last 30 minutes were so fucking cool.

2½ 1995 Honda Civics out of 5