At The Movies: Fast X
From humble beginnings the Fast & Furious franchise has grown into one of Hollywoods most commercially successful series. A juggernaut now consisting of films, a TV series, toys, video games, live shows, and theme park attractions, the original Fast & Furious movies somewhat simplistic plot was left in the rear-view mirror long ago.
Fast X, the tenth major motion picture release of the series will no doubt drive further profits into the $6 billion plus the franchise has already delivered. It’s a testament to producer and star Vin Diesel’s vision, as each movie strives to deliver crazier stunts, explosive action at breakneck speed with an ensemble of Hollywoods biggest stars. And on this front, Fast X delivers. Forget about Newtons law of physics, for they have no place here as for 141 minutes Vin and crew will smash, bash and crash their way from Rome to Rio destroying entire cities in their wake.
The central plot sets Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family of street smart car jackers against Dante Reyes, a flamboyant millionaire (played by an outrageously over the top Jason Momoa) with psychopatic tendencies. Hellbent on avenging his fathers death upon whom he squarely blames Dom, Dante plans to bestow as much suffering upon the crew at any cost.
Dom, now raising his son in LA with wife Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez) receives an unexpected and unwelcomed visit from arch enemy Cipher (Charlize Theron reprising her role) after being betrayed by her team who joined forces with Dante. Cipher’s warning to Dom that the devil is coming for him and his family sets in motion a global game of cat and mouse with a truly extraordinary amount of carnage.
The stunts and action sequences are so crazy and frequent you barely have a chance to catch your breath, let alone follow the loose plot threads as the team try to stay one step ahead of Dantes wrath. The huge cast also features Jason Statham reprising his role, John Cena, Jordana Brewster, Brie Larson, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris and even a cameo from Helen Mirren.
Pure popcorn entertainment, Fast X will appeal to anyone who enjoyed the previous Fast films and love their big budget action spectacles. Now confirmed as part 1 of an “ending trilogy”, one can only imagine where Vin Diesel and his team can take us next in the race to the finish line.
Movie Review By Samuel Phillips
