Feature: The Best of Paul Walker

With two major releases coming in the next week, Paul Walker seems to be very much the man of the moment. Walker is headlining both the upcoming Vehicle 19 and the sixth entry into the ever-popular Fast & Furious franchise. Prior to Vehicle 19’s release at the Empire, Leicester Square on the 10th of May and home-video release on the 20th of May, we’ve taken a look at some of Paul Walker’s finest performances – showing he’s much more than just a pretty face.

The Fast and Furious Saga (2001-)

Appearing in all but one of the Fast and Furious features, Walker continues to shine as undercover cop (and later FBI agent) Brian O’Conner. The actor, like co-star Vin Diesel has become synonymous with the series that boasts vehicular action spectacles like no-other. The series has continued to improve, by dropping the street-racing angle of the earlier films in favour of more dynamic heist-centered narratives. These changes have allowed Walker a chance to show off his underrated acting talents and impress as an all round action hero.

Running Scared (2006)

Indie crime drama, Running Scared, is perhaps Walker’s most underrated performance. Unfortunately the film was a box office disappointment, despite tackling more pressing themes than the actor’s previous work. Walker stars as a low-ranking Mafia thug who is left with the responsibility of disposing of a gun used to kill corrupt cops, however the gun soon ends up in the wrong hands. This is hard-hitting, visceral action cinema at its best – with a powerhouse central turn from Walker.

Into the Blue (2005)

Stepping away from the world of fast cars and mafiosos, Walker starred in Into the Blue an underwater action film. Again suffering from poor box office performance, Walker’s performance is an underrated treat. The actor once again gets to showcase his action hero credentials as a maritime treasure hunter who finds some suspicious sunken cargo. If that doesn’t float your boat there’s also Walker’s buff physique to keep things interesting.

The Death and Life of Bobby Z (2007)

Supposedly Walker isn’t a big fan of 2007 action flick The Death and Life of Bobby Z, but we think its a fun, throwaway slice of action cinema. Walker stars alongside screen veteran Laurence Fishburne and rising starlet Olivia Wilde, in this tale of an incarcerated marine taking on the identity of a deceased drug dealer.

Vehicle 19 (2013)

Vehicle 19 fuses fast-paced vehicular antics reminiscent of the Fast & Furious saga, with in an action-packed exploration of crime and corruption in South Africa. Walker leads the film as an ex-con desperately fighting for a fresh start, despite being dragged into the antics of corrupt police officials. The actor commands the screen, bringing natural human qualities to the role of this unlikely action hero. Our full review will be posted tomorrow.

Vehicle 19 arrives on DVD, Blu-Ray and On Demand on the 20th of May.