If you are a fan of the Fast and the Furious series, now called Fast Sagas, then you already know what you are in for when the film Fast X opens in theaters this week. As with all other 9 films, always expect the impossible because that’s what Fast movies do best. Giving you the nitty gritty of this movie would not tell you much because it’s more of the same, fast cars, evading the law, and being chased by those that have been challenged by the Toretto family.
The film opens in 2011 with a flash back to Fast Five as they pull off a heist against a Cartel run by Hernan Reyes. Flash forward to modern day and we find Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family enjoying their day. It’s only a pause in the life of Dom as Dante (Jason Momoa) the son of Reyes, is out for revenge for the killing of his father. He plans on decimating Dom’s whole family in return as retribution.
The wild and crazy film takes place as Dom and his team race against time to escape the mad man’s killing spree. A first as director of a Fast film, Louis Leterrier does his best to control his awesome cast, most of which have been member in many of the previous 9 movies. You can see the difference in his handling as it is a bit stodgy and drags a bit in the beginning. But as the film proceeds beyond the first half hour, it becomes what all of us hoped for, a bang up exciting “impossible” actioner with enough explosiveness that depicts imagery beyond your wildest dreams.
What drives the film is the special effects sound and visuals that in most cases are spectacular. Explosions are the main stay for all the Fast movies, but this one has a few surprises you won’t see coming. The set builders must have worked beyond their limits as watching the last 40 minutes of the film is a tech’s wildest dreams.
Fast X has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for intense sequences of violence and action, language and some suggestive material. What was supposed to be the final episode, may not be the last. At least for now as the cliff hangers in this awesome production should lead to a part 2. The film is a must see for fans, and a chance to watch what it’s all about for all others who will get hooked on the action. See it in IMAX or Dolby Atmos for the biggest thrills.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Jason Statham, John Cena and Scott Eastwood, Helen Mirren and Charlize Theron.
Directed and written by: Louis Leterrier
Genre: Action, Thriller. Crime
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, language and some suggestive material
Running Time: 2 hrs. 21 min.
Opening Date: May 19, 2023
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Released in: Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com