Movie Review – ‘Fast X’

With Fast X closely tied to 2011’s Fast Five, director Louis Leterrier, travels back in time to show how the actions of Dominic Toretto’s (Diesel) crew – particularly the killing of drug dealer Herman Reyes – now make Toretto and his “family” the target of Herman’s son, Dante (Jason Momoa). The trip down memory lane with new scenes interspersed serves as the perfect way to acquaint new and old Fast fans to the connection while also including beloved family member, Brian O’Conner (deceased star Paul Walker). Numerous throwbacks to past films make its hard not to get a bit nostalgic about the good ole days. And when Dom talks about “passing the keys to the next generation” it evokes questions as to who will take over the reins.

Dom and Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) are happily living in Los Angeles with their son Brian (Leo Abelo Perry). Family get togethers continue with their larger family including Mia (Jordana Brewster), Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Ludacris), Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel), and Han (Sung Kang). But, as life can only remain quiet for so long, Dom soon finds that his family is being hunted not only by Dante but also the Agency itself. Making matters worse is that Dante is less out to control the world than punish it. And his mantra of “never accept death, when suffering is owed” does not bode well for Dante nor his family. Like past films, Fast X travels the world with extraordinary scenery, this time including Rio De Janeiro, Los Angeles, Antarctica, and Rome. And it wouldn’t be a Fast and the Furious film without ridiculous fighting and action scenes. While the team doesn’t end up in space like in F9, it’s nearly just as ludicrous (not to be confused with Ludacris).

Fast X brings backs some fan favorites including Queenie (Helen Mirren), Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), and Cipher (Charlize Theron), while expanding its already large cast with the addition of Brie Larson, Alan Ritchson, and Rita Moreno. While Moreno plays a small role as Abuelita Toretto, the matriarch of the family, Larson as Tess, the daughter of Mr. Nobody, and Ritchson as Aimes, the new leader of the Agency, loom larger. Both roles, however, never quite land with Larson’s talent particularly feeling wasted. And while Diesel continues to serve as leader of the crew, he never seems to own the screen like one-time co-star Dwayne Johnson or even current co-star, Statham – not to mention that his low growl of a voice often makes it difficult to discern what he’s even saying. Worse for Diesel this time around, Momoa steals every single scene and overshadows Diesel so much that some fans may root for the big bad this time around. There hasn’t been a villain this good since Joaquin Phoenix in Joker.

Already number eight amongst the highest-grossing film franchises of all-time, Fast X will surpass the Batman movies as early as opening weekend and then likely push past The Avengers before it leaves theaters. And, should a Bond film not find its way to theaters in the next few years, the Fast and Furious films could leap into the top 5 all-time when its trilogy is complete. Not too shabby for a franchise that lost its key stars early and only got the train back on the track with the fourth film.

At the end of the day, Fast X delivers exactly what fans want and expect: a wild ride with fast cars, ferocious action, and, of course, family. Think and you’re bound to get frustrated. Instead, sit back, grab a bag of popcorn, and enjoy Fast X as it kicks the summer movie season into high gear. Oh, and make sure to stay for the post-credits scene!