Fast X

 

Summer is officially just around the corner and the blockbuster film releases are picking up steam. This week at the theater it’s all about family.  Yep, Dom and company are back on the screen in what’s being billed as the beginning of the end of The Fast and Furious franchise. So, I hit the theater, buckled up, and turned off my brain to indulge in the ridiculous, over-the-top 2 hours and twenty-one-minute End Game-esque spectacle that is Fast X.

Real talk. 

This franchise and the movies within them aren’t regarded as master pieces of fine cinema.  I’m well aware of that and I’m completely fine with it.  These films are full of eye-rolling dialogue, unbelievable action sequence that hit absurd and keep going, and CGI work that can be truly terrible. Yet, with the notable exception (mandatory dis here) of Tokyo Drift I love these films and get a kick out of them.  Why?  They’re fun and entertaining.  There's also something comforting about their predictability and mindlessness. The formula they follow is simplistic and it works.  And yes, while not being anywhere near Citizen Kane, the Furious films have brought the feels along with the fun and funny and produced characters to like and care about. 

Popcorn movies through and through.

Fast X is no exception. 

From the jump Fast X does a great job reworking the events from 2011s Fast Five into the setup for what unfolds in this film.  So yes, if you aren’t up to date, have forgotten, or just didn’t care but are watching Fast X it all makes sense.  As much as any of these make sense. In fact, they did a great job summarizing key points from the entire franchise.  The call backs, homages, references, and flashbacks bring joy.  

Part of that joy comes from the return of so many of the characters that have appeared throughout the franchise as well as the new additions. In the latter category while Rita Moreno, Brie Larson, and Alan Ritchson are nice additions to the mix, it’s Jason Momoa that steals the show. And how. Momoa’s Dante is unhinged, overly dramatic, and bigger than life in the best way possible.  It’s clear Momoa had a blast with this part, and you can’t help enjoying watching him having fun chewing the scenery.  

As usual there's a bumping soundtrack, lots of action sequences, a few twists making for a good beginning of the end. Along with the standard Furious tropes are surprise cameos and a mid-credit scene not to be missed. 

Fast X doesn’t cover any new territory and sticks to the tried-and-true Furious formula, buy hey if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.  The big exception here is like Infinity War/Endgame, Fast X ends by not ending. Yes, folks we get an old-fashioned cliffhanger. The next installment is currently scheduled for a 2025 release, so we have a bit of a wait to find out what happens next. I for one look forward to seeing what’s next for the family.

Fast X gets an 8 from me.

#FastX