‘Fast X’ Is A Solid Action Flick – Review
By Chalice Williams
Fast X, directed by Louis Leterrier, is the tenth film in the franchise that was initially made popular by Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, and the late Paul Walker. When originally announced, this was presumed to be the end of the road. But in the past months, it has been confirmed that the installment will have its final story told in three parts.
The gang is all back, with some new faces as well as some familiar ones from the past. Jason Momoa is hands down the star of the flick. He plays the eccentric Dante Reyes, the son of drug kingpin Hernan Reyes, whom the team stole from back in Fast Five. He blames Dom for his father’s death and will stop at nothing to make his family and team suffer. Momoa’s flamboyant mannerisms and witty sense of humor make him unlike any of the other characters in the franchise. He is easily the smartest and most ruthless villain they have ever crossed paths with.
One thing that really worked is that we get to revisit some set locations from previous films. From the bank vault where the team snatched the safe right out of the wall to the same bridge where Dante’s father was killed. It all just comes together nicely.
Perhaps the best part of Fast X is seeing several storylines coexist. From Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) and Cipher (Charlize Theron) coming to blows (Cipher killed the mother of Dom’s child in The Fate of the Furious) to Han (Sung Kang) going at it with Shaw (Jason Statham) for “killing” him in Toyko, and we’re introduced to Mr. Nobody’s (Kurt Russell) daughter, Tess (Brie Larson). This is also the first time we get to see the influence Dom and Letty have on their son, Little Brian (Leo Abelo Perry). He is tough and never scared in any of the many dangerously insane moments he is put in.
Speaking of new faces, Walker’s daughter, Meadow, makes a cameo in a scene, and one can’t help but see how perfectly she fits in. If you don’t know who she is, then the constant focus on her wouldn’t make sense and could go unnoticed. This one was for the fans, giving us the feeling that it would have been a real treat to have seen her play opposite her dad.
The repeated release of Fast films are often debated on social media, with most wondering why they keep making more. While there are many answers to that, one thing is for certain: every installment of the franchise performs extremely well at the box office. It’s one of the longest-running sagas, so if audiences are still interested and the studios are making bank, why speed to the finish line? A plethora of people complain about when this will end, but yet still show up in theaters. It seems to be a guilty pleasure because no matter how outrageous the stunt, rather on land or in space, people flock to see it on the big screen.
The original Fast and Furious was mainly focused on the street racing scene. Over time, the newer films have shifted to be centered around tech and hacking, still including an occasional race and car chase to stay true to their roots. One thing they do need to let go of is the use of “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth. The melody alone is enough to put you right in the feels since it’s often associated with the loss of Walker.
Overall, Fast X is a solid action flick, pulling out all the stops from car chases, explosions, aircraft, and some intense and lengthy fight sequences. It’s a mystery what else could come from these next two films that will serve as a continuation to this installment. And yes, there is a very exciting mid-credit scene. Stay for it; it’s worth it.
Fast X is now playing in theaters.
