Fast and Furious 7 News Update, Plot Spoilers: Movie Premieres With Paul Walker Tribute At SXSW; Reviews Mixed
On Sunday, the latest film in the "Fast and Furious" series, "Furious 7," premiered at the SXSW Film Festival with a tribute to deceased actor Paul Walker.
The film was screened in a secret screening, which has now become a tradition for most film festivals ever since the New York Film Festival started back in 2011 with "Hugo."
The "Furious 7" screening was sold out and director James Wan, writer Chris Morgan, producer Neal Moritz and actor Tyrese Gibson were at the screening and answered questions during the Q & A.
According to Variety, the film received a standing ovation and the cast and crew gave Walker a nice tribute. Gibson told audiences, "We don't look at y'all as fans of the movie. Most of you grew up with us. The reason we kept the movie going is on behalf of our brother Paul Walker."
During the premiere producer Moritz also had a couple of words to say about Walker. He added, "We lost a dear friend and comrade while making this movie. He was the best guy I've met in my world and in my life. We were determined to honor his legacy forever. I know Paul would be smiling down on us tonight."
Reviews were "Furious 7" were mixed. ScreenCrush gave the movie a positive review and stated, "A fitting and moving send-off for Walker that still delivers the knowingly absurd stunts that Fast fans have come to expect."
The Hollywood Reporter also gave it positive marks and said, "A Nuance Free franchise crafts an honorable exit for its departed star."
However, Crave Online was not thrilled with the film and said, "There are indeed faster and, sadly, significantly more furious movies in the 'Fast & Furious' canon."
"Furious 7" will finally be released after a number of delays. Actor Paul Walker died in an accident in 2013 during production. As a result, production hired four actors with bodies very similar to Walker's physique and used the actor's face and voice through CGI. Walker's brothers, Caleb and Cody, also stepped in as stand-ins.
The film is set for release on April 3, 2015 and also stars Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Lucas Black, Ludacris, Jordana Brewster and Jason Statham.
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