Fast and Furious

Showing posts with label Paul Walker tribute. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paul Walker tribute. Show all posts

Sunday, November 30, 2014

One Year Later... the pain of losing Paul Walker still hurts

As we all know, Paul Walker passed away in a fiery crash on November 30, 2013 in Valencia, California. A year ago to this day, we reflect back on the tragedy that affected so many people who come to love the memories Paul Walker left us in his Fast and Furious movies.

Paul Walker's father shared bright memories of his son a year after his loss. So soon, so sad. We can't help but to tear up over Paul Walker's untimely passing. All we can do is honor the memory of this great person. Paul Walker was a cool and genuine actor that took the time to help people. 

Most people, most fans who left comments shared their true pain. We admit, we cried a few days following the death of Paul Walker. On the day of this news, we didn't believe it. It was like a dream.

In the wake of news outlets covering this story, we noticed a particular news report showing thousands of people burning candles to honor one of their favorite Fast and Furious movie actors. It's disheartening to know that we can lose good people without warning. 

We didn't know Paul Walker personally. However, we always noticed his powerful smile. He usually smiled, drawing reference to his past television roles in A Highway to Heaven and Touched by an Angel. He touched people, treating them with the respect he felt they deserved.

One guy shared a short story of his encounter with Paul Walker in Southern California, where his fond memory of this later actor was receiving help. In a Facebook comment, this man said he left home and forgot his wallet. He almost ran out of gas.

Coasting into a gas station on empty, this man realized he didn't have any money to reach home. He asked Paul Walker, who was there filling up his gas tank, for a few dollars to get gas. Friendly and caring Paul Walker gave this man $100 and said "Pass it on." What a thoughtful person to do this. 

That was Paul Walker. He cared. He didn't allow Hollywood to change him. He enjoyed making people happy. He entertained us. We didn't know him, but when he passed away we cried. You can't help but to think of Paul Walker and his contribution to our lives. 

We watched The Fast and the Furious in 2001. Though we were in our mid 20's then, we enjoyed watching the street racing concept unfold on the silver screen. We watched these type of street races. It was Paul Walker, young actor who starred in She's All That, Varsity Blues, and in other movies, who took on this life-changing role as Brian O'Conner in The Fast and the Furious in 2001 that made us reflect on a time when life was fun. As we grow older, we grow closer to our memories. 

That is where we want to leave off with our memory of Paul Walker. We will never forget this awesome, talented, caring, inspiring and good person who showed us that there is more to life than showboating, being shallow, materialistic and everything else that spells out negative traits. 

Paul Walker is the moral character we come to love. He made movies to have fun. He enjoyed the beach. He loved his daughter. He wanted to enjoy his 40's. He supported many organizations, especially ROWW. His life was cut too short. We are left picking up the pieces to his passing. 

Today, a year after the tragic passing of Paul Walker, we celebrate and honor his memory. His good heart will keep up inspired, motivating us to live a better life. On this day, Paul Walker's memory will never be forgotten. Paul will forever connect us with our good past time. 

Enjoy life, make each day brighter. Don't ponder on the smaller things. Chances are that most people don't focus on your insecurities and flaws. Respect your life. Don't make too many plans to live a better life in the future. Live life now for what it's worth. 

Drive into the wind, cruise down the hill. Allow this world to inspire you to protect its memories. Find a purpose, and chase this cause. With your contribution, you can help make a difference in this world. We honor you Paul Walker.  

Rest in Peace Paul Walker






Friday, July 11, 2014

It's a Wrap! Fast & Furious crew finishes up shooting Fast & Furious 7 and is now in Post-Production

Fast & Furious 7 is now in Post-Production. James Wan and his team are working on completed production material to package this much anticipated FF movie in a major blockbuster. Since the late Paul Walker is no longer here with us, Universal Studios, producers and James Wan held meetings on how to handle this tragedy. With emotions set aside, Universal Studio green lighted Fast & Furious 7 production and this film is now being cut. This Fast & Furious 7 movie will be a tribute to the late Paul Walker.

Many Fast and Furious movie fans mourned the death of their favorite FF star. It saddened them to see any news coverage on Paul Walker's death. We were deeply affected by this shocking news. It is surreal to think that this will be the last time we watch Paul Walker at the movies.

Several months after Paul Walker's passing, James Wan has now completed production of Fast & Furious 7. According to Cinema Blend, Vin Diesel and crew wrote a heartfelt love letter to Paul Walker and FF fans. This letter proves how genuine these performers actually are and how they treat their co-stars and fans like a family. There is cohesiveness in every movie. Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and cast members went out on the junket to promote Fast & Furious movies with excitement and respect.

We can consider Fast and Furious movies a part of our family. We get lost in the adventures these FF movies deliver us. The viewing experience is always rewarding, no matter if this is our first run or multiple runs into the FF race. Fast and Furious movies are what make Hollywood a dream land.

We dream to become our best. Dom is a gifted racer who refuses to lose. Brian never gave up trying to beat Dom, Their on-scene bond made these racing movies the best experience. The Fast and the Furious (2001) movie overcame the odds to win out in the box office with a massive $41 million in its first weekend. The ride has never stopped since then. Paul Walker continued to move the franchise forward with 2 Fast 2 Furious. This movie scored a knockout on its first weekend and preserved this series.

We assumed Tokyo Drift would slow down the franchise. Think again. This change of scenery added another dimension, another dynamic to the plot. We were treated to Fast and Furious movies going backwards to reveal backstories and predetermined events prior to Tokyo Drift. We learned about Han. We learned more about Dom and his loyalty for his family. If Dom accepted you, everyone respected you.

What many thought wouldn't move forward after the passing of Paul Walker, it is now a reality. In 9 months from now, James Wan will give birth to Fast & Furious 7. This wide release on April 3, 2015 is expected to break box office records. FF fans know this is the last time they will see Paul Walker on the silver screen. Fast & Furious 7 is Paul Walker's last movie ever.

We can't wait until April 3, 2015 to watch Fast & Furious 7. James Wan is a brilliant director. We enjoyed his past work in Saw, Insidious, The Conjuring and Insidious Chapter 2. However, Wan's Dead Silence is on the lower end of these great horror movies listed above. Fast & Furious 7 is James Wan's first major action movie, so this release will show us his visionary directorial gift in motion.

As mentioned in this Cinema Blend article, the author believes that Fast and Furious 7 will represent the last film in this series. Because the death of Paul Walker, the crew struggled to finish production. Making Fast & Furious 8  & 9 may not make sense for this crew anymore. It is not the same without Paul Walker's energy. His physical presence is longer around to inspire them, only his memory.

If this Fast & Furious 7 movie is the last, get out there and watch it as many times as possible to pay tribute to Paul Walker. Thank Vin Diesel for delivering the best performances of his movie career. Show gratitude for all Fast and Furious crew members that entertained us for the past 14 years (by the time the movie is released next year).

Awesome work Fast & Furious crew for completing production on Fast 7!

RIP Paul Walker: Thank you for inspiring us to believe in life beyond our ourselves.

Source: 

http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Fast-Furious-7-Wraps-Production-With-Love-Letter-Paul-Walker-Fans-43842.html

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Paul Walker Memorial Site

Back in March I visited Southern California. On the way back up to Northern California I visited Paul Walker's Memorial site to pay tribute to this great human being and awesome actor.