“Fast X“, the tenth main installment in the globally renowned “Fast & Furious” franchise, takes the series’ penchant for high-octane vehicular action and audacious plotlines to new, sometimes bewildering, extremes.
Helmed by Louis Leterrier, the film is a symphony of chaos, a blaring, in-your-face spectacle that has wholeheartedly embraced its own ever-increasing absurdity. It’s a cinematic escapade that seems to have completely disowned the franchise’s street-racing roots, instead indulging in an over-the-top action premise which will test the suspension of disbelief of its audience.
At the heart of “Fast X” is the franchise’s core protagonist, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), reprising his role as the hardened yet emotionally complex leader of an ever-growing “family” of characters. This time, the stakes are personal as he’s pitted against Dante (Jason Momoa), the son of a previously defeated drug baron, seeking revenge against Dom and his crew. Dante’s introduction serves as a testament to the franchise’s ability to dig deep into its own history and reinforce the concept of actions and consequences, an aspect that brings a certain depth to this seemingly superficial universe.
The action sequences in “Fast X” are relentless and grandiose, with critics hailing them as some of the series’ most extravagant yet. However, these action set-pieces have also been criticized for their tendency to downplay the vulnerability of the main characters.
Also look: Stills from this movie!
The protagonists’ almost superhuman resilience to every calamity detracts from the suspense that would normally accompany such perilous situations. Their invincibility seems to limit the narrative opportunities for them to showcase their ingenuity and resourcefulness, instead relying on their unrealistic invulnerability to escape danger.
The film’s visual presentation has been a subject of contention among critics. The use of CGI, coupled with frenetic editing, has been criticized for obscuring the intricacies of the stunts, making them less impressive and less tangible to the viewers. This lack of perceptible real-world elements in the action sequences may diminish the audience’s sense of awe, which is an essential component of an action film’s appeal.
Nevertheless, “Fast X” is not devoid of redeeming qualities. The movie’s relentless pace, characterized by non-stop action and sparse dialogue, creates an engulfing spectacle that some viewers may find exhilarating. The film’s humor, often rooted in its self-aware embrace of its own excesses and ludicrousness, provides moments of levity, offering a counterbalance to the intense action.
One of the more interesting aspects of “Fast X” is its continued trend of featuring high-profile actors in roles that, while not crucial to the narrative, add a layer of star-studded allure to the spectacle. This installment includes Oscar-winning actresses such as Rita Moreno, Helen Mirren, Brie Larson, and Charlize Theron, each adding a touch of Hollywood prestige to the ensemble cast.
In essence, “Fast X” is a testament to the “Fast & Furious” franchise’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of action cinema. It’s a film that goes all-in on its unique brand of high-speed, gravity-defying absurdity, resulting in a spectacle that, while flawed, is undeniably consistent with the franchise’s evolving identity.
Even as it moves further from the humble, street-racing origins of the original “The Fast and The Furious”, the franchise’s enduring popularity suggests there’s a place for this style of over-the-top, escapist entertainment. This is especially true in a world that often seeks solace in the extraordinary, the unbelievable, and the outright impossible.
Indeed, the franchise’s evolution mirrors a wider trend in modern blockbuster cinema: the pursuit of bigger, louder, and more visually impressive set-pieces, often at the expense of narrative coherence or character development. But as “Fast X” demonstrates, there’s a certain charm to be found in this brand of chaotic, fast-paced spectacle. For all its implausibility, the film offers an unapologetic commitment to its own outrageousness that can be appreciated in its own right.
In conclusion, “Fast X” may not be the most critically acclaimed entry in the franchise, but it is undeniably a “Fast & Furious” film through and through. It revels in its own absurdity, delivering a high-octane spectacle that, for better or worse, is committed to the series’ legacy. For fans of the franchise and lovers of outrageous action, “Fast X” is a must-see experience that promises a thrilling ride from start to finish.
So, how much does “Fast X” deserve?
Just 3.5 / 5, and the reasons are:
- Explosive Action: “Fast X” continues the franchise’s tradition of high-octane action sequences. With the film taking the action to new heights, it delivers on the fast-paced, explosive spectacle that fans of the series have come to expect. This aspect might be appealing to those who enjoy action-packed blockbusters.
- Impressive Cast: The film features a star-studded cast that includes fan favorites like Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Tyrese Gibson, as well as new faces such as Jason Momoa and Brie Larson. The performances of these actors, particularly Jason Momoa as the villain, were praised in the reviews.
- Humor and Self-Awareness: The film seems to embrace its over-the-top nature with a sense of humor and self-awareness. This could make the film enjoyable for audiences who appreciate its unique blend of action and comedy.
On the other hand, the following elements contributed to the film not receiving a higher rating:
- Lack of Realism and Suspension of Disbelief: “Fast X” takes the series’ tendency for spectacle to new heights, which some viewers might find excessive or unbelievable. The characters’ invulnerability and the film’s defiance of the laws of physics may detract from the tension and thrill of the action scenes.
- Sparse Dialogue and Character Development: The film’s focus on action leaves less room for dialogue and character development. This could be a downside for viewers who prefer more balanced storytelling or deeper character arcs.
- CGI-Heavy Stunts: Some of the stunts in “Fast X” rely heavily on CGI, which might lessen their impact compared to practical stunts. Some viewers might find the stunts less thrilling if they don’t seem to be performed by actual people.
Overall, while “Fast X” delivers in terms of action and spectacle, some of its narrative and stylistic choices might not appeal to all viewers. This is why it receives a rating of 3.5, indicating that it’s a solid film with some areas for improvement.
Casting:
The movie was directed by Louis Leterrier, and the writers were Dan Mazeau, Justin Lin, and Gary Scott Thompson.
The cast includes:
- Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto
- Michelle Rodriguez as Letty Ortiz
- Jordana Brewster as Mia Toretto
- Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce
- Ludacris as Tej Parker
- Nathalie Emmanuel as Ramsey
- Charlize Theron as Cipher
- Helen Mirren as Queenie
- Brie Larson as Tess
- Scott Eastwood as Little Nobody
- Jason Momoa as Dante
- Alan Ritchson as Aimes
- Luis Da Silva Jr. as Diogo
- Daniela Melchior as Isabel
- Leo Abelo Perry as Little Brian?
- Jason Statham as Shaw
- John Cena as Jakob
Yet to see the movie? Check out the trailer on Youtube!
