The ‘Fast and the Furious’ saga has had a place in my heart since the first movie 14 years later and I’m still hooked.

‘Furious 7’ is a roller coaster of emotions from happy and heartfelt to sad and nostalgic. Characters from previous movies make a comeback, even if they’re in just one scene, but it is a nice throwback to the past movies.

Everyone who wants to see this movie, I have two tips for you. One, watch the first six movies in order from start to finish. Learn the background and characters. Understand what has happened up to this point. Notice every detail. If you are going to see the movie for the action-packed scenes, I understand, but you will be very confused as you try to untangle the relationships that have be laid out over the series.

Two, bring your tissues. I’m not kidding. People get hurt, relationships change and issues from past movies arise. Of course, Paul Walker’s untimely death played a large part in setting the tone. The farewell to Paul Walker will pull at your heart strings.

The movie is set up right where it left off with the capture of Owen Shaw. Shaw’s big, bad brother, Deckard Shaw, (Jason Statham) is out to avenge his brother by killing everyone who was involved with his demise.

From the get-go there are action-packed fighting scenes that show us Deckard Shaw is not going down without a fight and a few deaths notched in his belt.

Movie goers will go on a whirlwind ride of past events including Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez) and Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) returning to Race Wars and seeing old friends and to Dom, Brian and Mia (Jordana Brewster) back at the Toretto house where friends became family.

Big scenes like the $3.4 million Lykan Hypersport driving through three buildings in Abu Dhabi will remind you that this is a ‘Fast and Furious’ movie. Because the movie has so many reminders of previous movies it’s hard to realize that this movie has its own place. But this scene and others show you that it is bigger and better than ever.

The movie has funny moments as well. Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson) lightens the mood with his witty sense of humor when he wants to be in control finally. His snarky comments and quit wit make Tej (Ludacris) resort to drastic resources to get him out of a plan toward the end of the movie.

Overall, ‘Furious 7’ is the perfect end (sort of) to a saga that has been a favorite to many over the years. The stunts are bigger, the relationships are stronger and the story ends with the opening for another movie.

Cayla Maurer can be reached at 581-2812 or ccmaurer@eiu.edu.