Fast X Movie Review

Fast X, the tenth installment in the Fast Saga, is a true miracle in its final form. The film faced significant challenges during its production, with the departure of director Justin Lin due to creative differences just one week into filming. This, coupled with rumors of star/producer Vin Diesel's domineering control over the franchise, created a turbulent atmosphere. However, against all odds, Fast X rises above its troubled development and delivers a high-octane, surprising, and utterly ridiculous entry that exceeds expectations.

The story revolves around Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his de-facto family, who are still involved in automotive missions for Mr. Nobody's top-secret government agency. Dom and his wife Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) now lead a relatively quieter life, raising their son Brian Marcos (Leo Abelo Perry). But as is often the case in this franchise, the past catches up with them. Dante (Jason Momoa), the vengeful son of the Brazilian drug lord defeated in Fast Five, seeks revenge and aims to dismantle Dom's world. Framing the crew for an international incident, Dante forces the core cast to split up and evade the law. Dom, however, stays ahead of the game, while Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Ludacris), Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel), and Han (Sung Kang) strategize to strike back. Meanwhile, Letty finds herself imprisoned next to Cipher (Charlize Theron), an enemy from the crew's past.

Interestingly, Fast X shares similarities with Avengers: Infinity War. It sets up an extremely formidable opponent, divides the characters, and pays homage to previous films in the Fast Saga. The film takes viewers on a global journey, featuring a diverse range of locations and setting the stage for a grand final chapter. While some fans may long for the more grounded and car-focused films of the franchise's early days, the series has evolved into a full-fledged soap opera. Fast X fully embraces its increasingly outlandish storytelling, further accelerating the series into the realm of pure entertainment.

The Fast Saga has never been acclaimed for its storytelling prowess, and Fast X is no exception. The dialogue consists of a mix of one-liners and exposition, and the franchise's loose relationship with mortality makes it unclear whether the bold decisions made in this film will have lasting consequences. However, it is evident that the creators understand what the audience wants, and the formula has been perfected. Every character's story arc is engaging, with Roman, Tej, Han, and Ramsey providing humor and a reintroduction to Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham). A subplot involving Brian Marcos being looked after by his Uncle Jakob allows John Cena to showcase his charm. Michelle Rodriguez and Charlize Theron share a captivating frenemy dynamic, constantly at odds with each other both physically and mentally.

Vin Diesel's Dom Toretto anchors the A-plot of Fast X and introduces one of the movie's greatest assets: Jason Momoa as Dante Reyes. Comparisons to the Joker are fitting, as Dante is a gleeful psychopath, a flamboyant lone wolf who seeks not only to kill the family but to make them suffer. His relentless commitment to despicable acts injects manic energy into the movie, even when he's off-screen. Among the series' tragic villains, Dante stands out as pure evil, reveling in his role as the ultimate antagonist for the Fast Family. With his eccentric appearance, dark humor, and painted nails, he becomes the chaotic force that drives Fast X forward. Director Louis Leterrier may lack the franchise experience of Justin Lin or the flair of James Wan, but his expertise in action filmmaking shines through.

Leterrier's direction in Fast X proves his competence as an action filmmaker. He keeps the pace moving and builds up to adrenaline-pumping sequences with precision. While some shots may reveal obvious green screen usage, and the editing can be occasionally jarring, these minor flaws fade away when the set pieces come alive as intended.

As Fast X builds towards its fever pitch, it concludes with a massive cliffhanger that will both excite and frustrate viewers. Similarly, the movie as a whole may polarize audiences. Those who have long disengaged from the Fast & Furious saga may choose to leave it behind for good. However, for those who appreciate and have embraced the franchise's evolution over its three-decade lifespan, Fast X delivers a capital B blockbuster that aims to maximize entertainment at the expense of logical coherence. It is a messy and ambitious film, teetering on the edge of its own audacity. And that's perfectly fine.

In its purest form, Fast X embodies big, dumb fun. It exemplifies a troubled production that transformed into a diamond under pressure. Whether one feels guilty or not, the pleasure derived from Fast X is undeniable. The film encapsulates the heart and soul of the Fast Saga, offering a thrilling ride of action and absurdity that caters to its loyal fan base. It may not possess exemplary storytelling or flawless execution, but it unapologetically delivers what the audience desires. Fast X is a testament to the franchise's enduring popularity and its ability to evolve into an epic and entertaining spectacle that defies all expectations.