The Fast & Furious franchise has been synonymous with high-octane action and a celebration of the importance of family. With the release of "Fast X," the question arises: has the franchise taken its victory lap, or is it spinning its wheels? Unfortunately, this latest installment feels more like a Greatest Hits compilation than a fresh entry into the series.
From the very beginning, "Fast X" relies heavily on callbacks to previous films, directly referencing iconic moments and echoing action beats from earlier installments. The script, penned by Dan Mazeau and Justin Lin (who departed the project due to creative differences), often feels like a parody of the franchise itself rather than a standalone entry. The absence of Lin, who directed the game-changing "Fast Five," is noticeable, especially in terms of the film's action choreography.
Director Louis Leterrier's treatment of the beloved characters also contributes to the film's sluggish start. The opening scenes, filled with conversations about family, legacy, and other Fast & Furious tropes, fall flat. While it's expected for Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) to emphasize the importance of family, the heavy-handed execution, complete with Charlie Puth's music and sentimental shots of Paul Walker, diminishes the impact. There was an opportunity to explore the character of "Old Man Dom," but the film fails to deliver a nuanced portrayal beyond making him slightly nostalgic. The constant repetition of Dom's catchphrase, "family," feels forced and diminishes the characters' depth.
However, "Fast X" gains momentum with the introduction of Jason Momoa's Dante Reyes. As Dante seeks to exact revenge on Dom and his crew, the film becomes more enjoyable. Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Ludacris), and Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) embark on a mission to Rome, only to find themselves ensnared in Dante's trap. The plot becomes a means to divide the crew, with Roman, Tej, Ramsey, and Han (Sung Kang) fleeing to London and crossing paths with Shaw (Jason Statham). Meanwhile, Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) gets captured, leading to a subplot involving Mr. Nobody's daughter Tess (Brie Larson) and Cipher (Charlize Theron). With a multitude of characters in play, the film becomes a crowded blockbuster race.
Unfortunately, the ensemble cast is underutilized, leaving many famous faces with little to do. The banter between Roman and Tej feels tired, while veteran actors like Rita Moreno and Helen Mirren are given minimal screen time. John Cena, Jordana Brewster, Daniela Melchior, and others also struggle to make a significant impact in their limited roles. Only Theron and Rodriguez manage to inject some fun into their subplot, engaging in one of the film's standout combat scenes. Ultimately, "Fast X" predominantly revolves around the dynamic between Diesel's stoic Dom and Momoa's flamboyant Dante. Their contrasting screen personas provide some of the film's most effective moments.
Action set pieces, a trademark of the franchise, are scattered throughout "Fast X," offering a mix of entertaining and over-the-top sequences. However, the film suffers from a sense of déjà vu, feeling like a rehashed version of previous films. Director Louis Leterrier's handling of the action lacks the finesse and understanding of stunt work and action geography seen in the franchise's best entries. The reliance on CGI, which often appears poorly rendered, further detracts from the film's impact, diminishing the stakes and making it more visually artificial.
One of the most significant drawbacks of "Fast X" is its lack of a satisfying conclusion. Vin Diesel has revealed that this film marks the beginning of a trilogy that will conclude the franchise. However, the film's climax leaves characters in jeopardy, presumed dead, and divided, without offering any resolution. It feels more like a setup for future installments than a standalone film, leaving fans craving closure and questioning the decision to split the story into multiple movies.
In the end, "Fast X" offers an action-packed ride with familiar thrills but fails to bring any fresh ideas to the table. It relies heavily on past successes, resulting in a film that feels more like a cash-grab than a genuinely innovative addition to the franchise. While Jason Momoa injects energy into the proceedings, it's not enough to overcome the overall sense of familiarity. As the series races towards its conclusion, let's hope the next two films deliver something truly original and satisfying.