Fast X (2023)
Releasing in cinemas worldwide this past weekend, Vin Diesel returns as Dominic “Dom” Toretto for the tenth main installment of the Fast & Furious franchise. Alongside Diesel, returning to the franchise are Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, John Cena, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Scott Eastwood, and Charlize Theron. Welcoming back Jason Statham, and welcoming Brie Larson and Jason Momoa.
Through these ten films, Dom and company have gone through hell and highwater (as they say); enemies turned friends, car chases, high FX explosions, picturesque locations and even cars flying out of planes. In the end, family always seems to endure. After outsmarting and outdriving every foe they have faced, it is now time for Dom and company to face their most lethal opponent to date. Fueled by past fury and revenge, Momoa makes his Fast & Furious debut as Dante Reyes, and he is ready to destroy everything that Dom loves.
Not the best installment of the franchise, however still not the worst. It is with Dante Reyes as the film’s antagonist that this film thrives and survives. Joining the franchise as the son of Fast Five (2011)’s villain Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida). Bringing something new to the film series, Dante is flashy and refreshing. It is also clear that Momoa truly enjoyed embodying this character and giving him his own style. Even with Momoa’s excellent character acting, the writing of the character keeps him ten steps ahead of the protagonists, making him the franchise’s deadliest foe to date.
That being said, the film does lack something and starts to show how it is beginning to lean too far into its ridiculousness, making it easier not to need to worry about plot. Characters returning from the dead, being underused, and changing sides all too easily. Signs of fatigue from the cast can be seen for sure. Three previous best actress winners were members of this cast and were clearly not used enough to show their acting strengths. Highlights definitely included Momoa and Charlize Theron who delivered great lines and looked good doing it.
Written by Justin Lin and Dan Mazeau, the films action sequences lacked what the past films had. With F9 (2021) shooting two characters into space, not much more could top that. One would not expect the quality of CGI and FX to drop. If you are in it for the action, you might be a bit disappointed, as they provide less far-fetched sequences than the previous film.
With the confirmation of two films to make the finale of the franchise, Vin Diesel let it slip at the world premiere of Fast X that the finale might actually consist of three films. Perhaps, with the post credit scenes, there are hints at what the future may bring. Will the franchise be able to wrap up what they started without leaving holes in the plot? Or will their use of far-fetched plots and random resurrections be their downfall?
Read my silly little review on Letterboxd here
Promotional image from Fast and Furious Fandom
