Not too many films can pull off a trilogy or even a sequel. But ten installments? That’s a franchise. And the king of modern movie franchises, The Fast and Furious, is back with one of the best since the first two: Fast X.
Never failing to deliver a chaotic, action-packed time fully loaded with absurdities, the franchise always surprises with its star power and its blatant disregard for the laws of physics. But it’s the cameos from the likes of Rita Morena and Jason Statham that add to the enjoyment and allow this franchise to appeal to a mass and broader audience.
What was originally slated to be the first of a two-part ending to the series, will now have two more installments to really drive this story home. Or so they say.
At the beginning of the film, Dom (Vin Diesel) seems to be moving on with his life. He’s happy and settled with his son and wife. That is until Cipher (Charlize Theron) appears at his door nearly beaten to death to inform him that a war is coming, and “everyone you love will be destroyed.” Not exactly the lullaby most would want to hear.
The devil that Cipher was referring to is none other than Aquaman’s Jason Momoa. He steals the show as Dante. As he prances around with his rich kid metrosexual yet psychotic swagger. His jokes are the only ones that land throughout the film, although others do give it a solid effort. Dante is out for vengeance since Dom played a role in the death of his father, Herman Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida) in Brazil.
Once Dom realizes that his team has been sent to Rome for a trap mission set by Dante, Dom heads to Italy for one of most epic bomb and car chase sequences to ever grace the big screen. I would imagine if you watch this in 4DX, it would fall somewhere between exhilarating and nauseating. Does every mind-blowing shot defy gravity and the laws of physics? Yes, but that absurdity is where the fans of the franchise find solace. Yes, it’s unbelievable. But is it entertaining? Emphatically!
And since it is set in Rome, we get epic car chases throughout some of the most famous historical sites, such as the Spanish Steps and even the Vatican.
Momoa steals the show as Dante. As he prances around with his rick kid metrosexual swagger. His jokes are the only ones that landed. He pretty much plays the Joker. Completely twisted and diabolical, but a villain that just can’t help but be captivated by.
Alas, the universal theme throughout the franchise has been family or Familia, as the Torettos refer to it. And that’s the main theme of Fast X. The entire crew returns for the reunion. Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris, Helen Mirren, Tyrese Gibson, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, and even John Cena and Brie Larson have recently been added to the Fast ensemble. However, my favorite was the choice of Rita Moreno as Abuelita, the grandmother. She’s just a perfect placement.
How can you not love Rita?
As far as what’s next for the family, Fast X leaves us with a bone-chilling cliffhanger and another surprise revival: Gal Gadot. While Diesel has already confirmed that there will be two more after this one, as their cast grows, so does their viewership. And all we can say is, bring it on! Vroom Vroom, baby!
Grade: B+