FAST X – A Review by Jenn Rohm
One of the wonderful things about a movie is the ability to make anything and everything possible, it only needs to be imagined first. The Fast and Furious franchise does like to push past boundaries and I always look forward to what they bring to us next. Fast X did not let me down.
The movie starts with a bit of flashback to explain how Dante (Jason Momoa) begins his plans for vengeance against Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and all he considers family. As the kick-off of the final three movies, we have the cast we expect to see Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Mia (Jordana Brewster), Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Ludacris), and Han (Sung Kang). Newer additions Shaw (Jason Statham), Cipher (Charlize Theron), Queenie (Helen Mirren), and Jakob (John Cena) bring some delightful moments to the movie. This is just the tip of the iceberg of the cast.
I am a fan of the franchise. That does not mean I don’t see areas for improvement or think everything is amazing in the movie. The bits between Roman and Tej have gotten stale. The addition of Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) was not enough to prevent the feeling of having seen this too many times before. The theme of family remains strong and how pieces are being tied together is a nice lead-in to wrapping up the saga. The script left a few things to be desired.
With a runtime of 2 hours and 21 minutes, this movie is following the current trend of lots of action sequences and working to add more plot. There was not much that I could see removing that would shorten the time and allow for a touch more closure. Having unanswered questions to ensure that another film is coming and creating anticipation for the next two films is understandable. There is a limit to how much should be left open, and this was more than I cared for.
While I did enjoy action movies in the 80s, strong male characters tended to deliver their lines very straightforwardly and a bit deadpan, which didn’t allow for the audience to connect to them. In F9 John Cena followed that formula. While it did fit that Jakob needed to be a bit standoffish to his family, it was a disappointment to me. I am not sure what changed for him, but I am glad it happened. In Fast X Jakob has a personality and you can feel emotions from his performance. It appears Cena is having more fun than he has with other film projects, and I am overjoyed about this. This franchise needs its fans to connect and want to be part of the family.
*Take away Jakob Toretto quote: “Only song lyrics, when you stub your toe or Cannon Cars”
Jason Mamoa as a “villain” took a moment to accept and the start of the movie added to my hesitation on this choice. What he brings to the character adds so much to what I have seen in the action film genre up to now. This is another actor that appears to be having fun with his role. There is a scene where Dante is painting someone’s toenails. His hair is in two poofy buns on top of his head and he is wearing a fluffy bathrobe. While in close up you think this is a man who is secure in knowing who he is and does not care what anyone else thinks. As the shoot widens and provides more information you realize how deep into the character Fast X goes.
I am not sure why I find myself focusing on costuming in films of late. I do have to give applause on the amount of detail in the wardrobe for Mamoa, down to small details such as hair ties and how his fingernails look. It supports the level of development of the character and the dedication to the part by the actor.
With storylines being tied up it does help to have seen the prior films, but you can still enjoy and follow even if you haven’t. It is enjoyable and with the weather being either rainy or hot it’s a great time to go to the movies.
Director: Louis Leterrier
Written By: Justin Lin & Dan Mazeau
Cast: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jason Momoa, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, John Cena, Jason Statham, Sung Kang, Alan Ritchson, Daniela Melchior, Scott Eastwood, with Helen Mirren, Charlize Theron, Brie Larson, and Rita Moreno
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, language, and some suggestive material
Genres: Action Thriller
Selig Rating: 4 stars
Runtime: 2 hr. 21 min.
Release Date: May 19, 2023
Movie Site: Fast X Movie Site
Trailer: Fast X Final Trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well there was nothing else . . .
1 Star – Total waste of time.
