As a diehard fan of the fourth through sixth installments in the The Fast and the Furious franchise, I have to admit that I am eagerly awaiting the chance to partake in the latest adventures of the street racing crew-turned-global-anti-heroes led by Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and Brian O’Conner (the late Paul Walker who, by all early accounts, has been justly and lovingly given the swan song he deserves here). What any good action series needs is an understanding of its own world and an appreciation for its audience’s expectations, which was certainly the case with F&F under the watchful eye of previous helmer Justin Lin. Go big or go home — on all fronts — and this time out, by adding Jason Statham as the brother of a dispatched foe, out for revenge against the crew, fans should prepare for a righteous and furious ride (that likely won’t be the final one). (Opens wide Friday, April 3.) (PG-13) Not screened in time for review
