Sneak previews have become a staple in movie promotions these days – basically, they are trailers for trailers, and sometimes, trailers for teasers. Whether or not you think this is a cynical hype-building attempt by studios, the sneak preview for Fast 8, the latest instalment of the massively successful Fast and Furious franchise, offered something special. It is summarily the cast’s message to fans, in which they express gratitude for support, reassurance about the franchise continuing, and emphasise once again the value of family.
Now, the wait for a proper trailer has ended, and it is here for your viewing pleasure:
Turns out, the "family" message is not only the franchise' running theme, but it also foreshadows the plot. Forced to turn against his family and create chaos throughout the world, Dom (Vin Diesel) has become an unwitting pawn to Cipher (Charlize Theron), a mysterious hi-tech terrorist. To save Dom and the world, the teams of racers and agents have no choice but to gear up once more, even forming an alliance with former nemesis Decker Shaw (Jason Statham).
“Furiosa” Charlize Theron joins the Furious franchise as the new villain
The eighth instalment brings the action to the sunny coastline of Brazil, the crowded streets of New York, and the vast openness of the Arctic ice field. When a monstrous submarine breaks the ice and chases them with full-speed ferocity, Dwayne Johnson references Jaws and blurts out, “We’re gonna need a bigger truck!”
The modified vehicles of the Arctic sequence
The Fast and Furious series have come a long way. Starting off as a street racing film with criminal elements, not unlike 1991’s Point Break, it has gradually become more action-oriented. By adding more extravagant sequences, more A-list celebrities, and a more universal message – stick to your family – it has captured movie fans’ hearts and is Universal’s most profitable franchise, grossing over $3.9 billion worldwide in ticket sales. 2015’s Furious 7 is, for now, the most profitable outing as the untimely passing of series star Paul Walker both saddened fans and motivated them to see Walker’s final performance on the big screen. It has made $1.5 billion worldwide, becoming the sixth highest-grossing movie of all time.
Time flies: the cast of The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Fast 8, full title The Fate of the Furious, is directed by F. Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton). Big names added to the cast include Charlize Theron as the main villain, Clint Eastwood's son Scott Eastwood as an agent, and Helen Mirren. Will fans stick to the Fast and Furious family without Paul Walker? We shall see after the film is released in April next year.
