Fast X is now the first of a planned trilogy.
The Fast and Furious franchise is not letting off the gas pedal as Fast X is set to hit theaters this Saturday. The action-packed series has captivated audiences worldwide for over 20 years. With its high-speed car chases, adrenaline-fueled stunts, and diverse cast of characters, it has become a global phenomenon. It all started in 2001 with “The Fast and the Furious,” a film that combined street racing with undercover police work. Since then, the franchise has expanded into a multi-film saga, delivering one blockbuster hit after another.
Synopsis
In 2011’s Fast Five, Dom and his crew took out nefarious Brazilian drug kingpin Hernan Reyes and decapitated his empire on a bridge in Rio De Janeiro. They didn’t know that Reyes’ son, Dante (Aquaman’s Jason Momoa), witnessed it all and has spent the last 12 years masterminding a plan to make Dom pay the ultimate price. Dante’s plot will scatter Dom’s family from Los Angeles to the catacombs of Rome, from Brazil to London, and from Portugal to Antarctica. New allies will be forged, and old enemies will resurface. But everything changes when Dom discovers that his 8-year-old son (Leo Abelo Perry, Black-ish) is the ultimate target of Dante’s vengeance.
It is amazing how these films can constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible regarding vehicular action.
Before F9, the Fast franchise needed help finding its identity. Now we know what to expect, and that movie is here to entertain and push the boundaries. It is mind-blowing how no other film franchise has done what this franchise continues to do: recreating additional plot points that never appeared in previous movies. For example, in this installment, Jason Momoa plays the son of Fast Five’s antagonist Hernan Reyes, but Momoa never once appeared in that 2011 film. However, not to worry at all. This movie opens up with the film’s climax, with Momoa slipping into reshot scenes to set up what this family will face off against.
To my surprise, this movie ups the ante with tons of mind-boggling stunts. You have to go into the movie mindlessly and enjoy what is in front of you. The sooner you turn off your brain, the more of this film you can enjoy. There is the perfect blend of heart-pounding action, humor, charismatic characters, and a strong sense of family. The original cast is great, and everyone gets their moments to shine. Ludacris and Tyrese ragging on each other, Sung Kang getting the munchies, and the ladies Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster showcasing their fighting skills. Vin Diesel leads this family with the same charm, morality, loyalty, and temperament we have seen since the first film.
John Cena returns and is tasked with protecting Dom’s son, played by Leo Abelo Perry. The scenes they share are some of the highlights of the film. Brie Larson and Allan Ritchson are the newest additions to the franchise. However they are just there to move the plot forward. Finally, the villainous Momoa delivers an unhinged, flamboyant megalomaniac performance and is easily the worst adversary Dom and his family have ever faced.
Verdict
I give Fast X 4 out of 5 stars. It may be the most ambitious installment to date that may be the beginning of a planned trilogy. James Wan, who stepped away from helming this film, is not missed. Lou Lettier offers his vision, showcasing that he is the man for continuing the franchise as he is a superfan. Make sure to stick around for a mid-credit scene confirming that there is no way this franchise will ever end. Read more Reviews on Nerdtropolis and Subscribe to our YouTube.
Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis. He is a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.