Fast, Furious, Family
Fast X is a tremendous, entertaining blockbuster film that will delight fans of the franchise. It certainly doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but when the wheels are spinning this quickly and with such adrenaline – why on earth would one want to?
The tenth instalment in the ‘Fast Saga’ (eleventh if you count one spinoff) begins with a focus on the central theme that will come as no surprise to avid (or casual) fans of these films – the importance of family. At a barbecue hosted by Dominic Toretto, his network reintroduce themselves, and us as an audience to a familiar universe. What follows is spectacular chaos.
The gang travel to Rome to complete a misguided mission before a series of cars, trucks and the largest bomb you’ve ever seen convalesce upon the doorstep of the Vatican City. This film will not be studied in physics or engineering classes, but those looking to create a film that creates edge-of-your-seat action sequences and tension should sit up and take note.
By now, the Fast Saga has built up a significant range of supporting characters and villains – many of whom make welcome cameo appearances. Notable inclusions from Helen Mirren, Jason Statham, Charlize Theron and John Cena really carry this film and make its 2 hour 20 minute runtime warranted.
Brie Larson is a great addition to the universe, but credit must be given to Jason Momoa. To date, Momoa has been somewhat pigeon-holed into serious roles and franchises that match his intimidating stature. While taking the role of a central-villain is not a huge step aside from this categorisation, Momoa fully embraces the ‘fun’ traits this villainous persona allows and truly adds to the experience.
The star of these movies are the action sequences. Say what you want about the Fast films in general, they know what they are and the do it well. While utilising scenery and locations that add to the scope, there are some incredible moments featured on the Spanish steps and at Hoover Dam. In a time where more people are curtailing their spending and choosing what movies to wait for home/digital release – Fast X is well worth the trip into the cinema to experience as it is intended.
Without spoiling the end of this film, it is well worth waiting until the post-credits screen. There are no doubts about it – we have not seen the last of Toretto and his family.