You could argue that this has gone longer than it should and there wasn’t a need for another one but here we’re in 2023 and we have another installment of Fast & Furious, titled Fast X. I’m firmly on that side of the fence especially when you consider just how ridiculous the franchise has gotten thanks to even more crazy stunts that would have even the biggest stunt lover shaking their head in embarrassment and wincing. Having said that and strangely so, you can’t help but keep on watching for the pure entertainment and star power the franchise has attracted, Fast X is no different with one of my faves, Jason Momoa entering the frame as, excitedly, the villain!
Add in Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Brie Larson, Tyrese Gibson and much more, you realise the franchise has a winning formula that has propelled it to now 10 movies with 2 more confirmed, the penultimate penciled in for 2025. Let’s not forget the spinoffs, Hobbs & Shaw being the one that comes to mind immediately, and you start wondering if it’s ever going to end? Well if there’s still a demand then I’m sorry to report that it might not, at least not anytime soon. The franchise is like that one thing you’re addicted to that you should stop but it’s so good that you can’t help it.
Synopsis
Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family have outsmarted, out-nerved and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced: A terrifying threat emerging from the shadows of the past who’s fueled by blood revenge, and who is determined to shatter this family and destroy everything-and everyone-that Dom loves, forever.
There’s no doubt the synopsis is daunting and sets the scene for intrigue that’s further amplified by the numerous trailers (for those who do watch them of course) available. Anyone who has watched any of the previous movies will know what to expect (Fast X is no different) and sometimes that’s all you need. Part of the reason for the franchise’s success is the ever-evolving storyline that has over the years been less about racing cars to more about A-list actors, family, action and ridiculous stunts. If anything you have to give it to the writers especially since nowadays content fatigue is a thing.
The basic feel of the movie is what you’d expect, nothing different to highlight except for the fact that the crazy stunts continue to go up a level, most of which involve Vin Diesel’s character, Dom Torreto, who for whatever reason is such a skilled driver that he has the ability to make a normal car (mostly Dodge Challengers) fly out of the sky and defy the laws of science, somehow I’ll never get over that and this might put some people off but adversely might find favor with some.
One of the other aspects that have worked for the franchise over the years are the villains or whoever has been at odds with Dom, in Fast X that comes in the shape of Jason Momoa who plays the character of Dante Reye… an eccentric, over the top, funny but equally deadly and insane adversary who I reckon is the best part about the movie. Momoa’s character is unexpected and one you’ve never seen him play but fits him like a glove. Hats off to the writers here as well as the casting team who all linked well to bring together this character to life.
Fast X is a very entertaining package that delivers on what it is. The cliffhanger ending definitely leaves one with numerous questions ensuring we’ll be back for more and eager to find out what happens. The end credit scene (yes there is one which you should stick around for) also sets the tone perfectly for what I suspect is Hobbs & Shaw 2? Only time will tell.
Fast X does the trick and is worth your time especially if you’ve always been an avid fan of the franchise and/or a pure action movie fan… as long as you don’t mind the eccentric and crazy stunts. It’s in cinemas from tomorrow (19 May 2023).
Thank you to the CineCentre team for having us at the prescreening!
