Buckle up, revheads, because the Fast & Furious franchise is somehow back in full throttle with its latest instalment. Leaving burning tire marks on the big screen once again, it’s time to switch on the ignition once again in our Fast X review. What started over 20 years ago as a humble series focused on the thrill of underground racing has really shifted gears. Literally.

Remember when the series was about racing? Me neither.

Over the course of 10 films, The Fast Saga has evolved into an over-the-top action series embracing jaw-dropping stunts, gravity-defying action sequences, and a family-centric narrative that makes you question the laws of physics as much as the laws of storytelling. Fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a wild ride through the never-ending world of the Fast & Furious franchise.

Fast X Review – Story

The Fast & Furious series has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a street racing film, awash with neon-lit streets and nitrous oxide boosters and babes. It’s been many years since the series departed its racing roots to embrace a more explosive and audacious approach, turning heists, espionage, and globe-trotting adventures into the new high-octane norm. Vin Diesel and his crew have gone from street racers to international spies, proving that the franchise has an insatiable appetite for bigger, bolder, and more death-defying stunts.

They must be pretty big Family Guy fans.

Fast X matches the series’ new direction with a story that is more action-packed than ever. Centred around Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), a skilled driver a code of honour as unbreakable as his biceps. Speeding through the streets alongside his loyal crew of family and friends, the latest film harkens back to the fan-favourite Fast Five, opening with a second look at the film’s iconic vault heist sequence.

Facing off against the notorious drug kingpin, Hernan Reyes, and literally driving off with a vault filled to the brim with cash, this high-octane sequence begins the film with a bang. But it’s not long before it slams on the brakes and introduces they key addition to Fast X in the form of its newest villain, Dante (Jason Momoa), Hernan’s son who is hell-bent and driven mad by his lust for revenge.

Like the best villains, Dante is a loveable psychopath.

As the film progresses, Dante becomes more and more unhinged, revealing his flamboyant yet psychopathic tendancies. But it’s not just enough to kill the Toretto family. No, that would be far too kind. Dante instead wants to make them suffer, and will find the most underhanded ways to achieve this. From blackmail, terrorism, betrayal, and kidnapping, this loveable maniac drives Fast X’s story forward at a blistering pace.

Maybe taking out comprehensive insurance was worth it.

I won’t deny that Fast X is incredibly absurd, ridiculous, and at times just downright stupid. But what’s refreshing is that it doesn’t at all take itself seriously. The film and its characters are so self-aware that the narrative constantly pokes fun at itself. Realising that the series has become somewhat of a meme, the story embraces this and shows no signs of slowing down.

*rhythmic chanting* FAMILY. FAMILY. FAMILY.

Fast X Review – Acting and Direction

Once again assembling a charismatic ensemble cast, Fast X unites characters from across then entire series to bring adrenaline-fueled energy to the screen. Led by franchise veterans Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Tyrese Gibson, the actors effortlessly step back into their iconic roles, delivering the expected mix of tough bravado, witty one-liners, and cheeky charm. The chemistry between many of the actors remains a driving force of the series, making it easy for audiences to invest in their larger-than-life characters.

Good thing they’ve got two huge guns to protect them.

From a directorial standpoint, the film is helmed by a Louis Leterrior (The Incredible Hulk, Clash of the Titans, Grimsby) whose background is strongly suited in action. And it certainly shows throughout Fast X. Leterrior’s eye for action and non-stop pacing ensures that each car chase and action sequence delivers the adrenaline rush that fans have come to expect. While there are occasional slower, more character-focused scenes scattered throughout, the film’s action simply doesn’t let up.

What is gravity and why doesn’t it exist in the Fast & Furious series?

While some of the characters may seem shallow and one-dimensional, with acting as flat as a deflated tire, it’s the insane setpieces that truly bring Fast X to life. Huge car chases, mind-boggling stunts, and gravity-defying leaps allow sequences that push the limits of plausibility in the most exhilarating way. Provided you’re able to lose your sense of reality for a couple hours while you’re watching it.

This image sums up about 80% of the movie.

And while Fast X’s action is undeniably over-the-top, it’s important to remember that the Fast & Furious films have always been rooted in a sense of playful escapism. The filmmakers understand this, embracing the absurdity with a knowing wink and a nod more than ever before. It’s this self-awareness that allows the movie to straddle the line between outlandish and thrilling, creating a family experience that is undeniably entertaining.

Fast X Review – Soundtrack & Audio

The Fast & Furious franchise has always had a knack for curating soundtracks that perfectly complement the high-octane action on screen. The latest instalment is no exception, blending a mix of licensed music and an original score by series veteran, Brian Tyler, to create an audio experience that enhances the NOS-fuelled rush.

When it comes to licensed music, the Fast & Furious films have a history of featuring catchy tunes that become synonymous with the series. From pulse-pounding hip-hop beats to energetic electronica, the soundtrack selections undeniably fit the tone of many of the film’s action sequences. The rhythmic beats of these driving rhythms certainly add to the on-screen spectacle.

Additionally, the original score by Brian Tyler deserves recognition for its contribution to the Fast & Furious films. Tyler has been a longstanding collaborator with the franchise, consistently delivering music that captures the epic scale and emotional beats of the story. His compositions blend seamlessly with the action, elevating the tension and providing a pulse to the film’s heart. His softer tracks underscore the emotional beats of the film, adding depth and resonance to the characters and their relationships, capturing the spirit of the franchise, its faith, and most importantly, its family.

Conclusion

Fast X once again brings the series roaring onto the screen with its heart-pounding action, larger-than-life setpieces, and an audio experience that revs up the excitement. With adrenaline-inducing direction and absurd presentation, this instalment delivers everything fans have come to love about the series. Enhanced by a charismatic and chaotic villain with Jason Momoa truly stealing the show, Fast X is a wild ride that fans of the series are bound to enjoy once you shut off your brain from reality.

So, why should you watch Fast X?

• You enjoy ridiculous and over-the-top action sequences
• Jason Momoa makes for a charismatic and chaotic villain
• The film has become so self-aware that it pokes fun at its own absurdity

But why shouldn’t you watch Fast X?

• Enjoyed the early films for the racing? There’s very little of it left here
• Some acting is flat as a deflated tire
• Don’t enjoy action? Avoid this at all costs
• Some very lazy and convenient plot points

A media preview screening was kindly provided for the purpose of our Fast X review. Enjoyed this review? Drift into our review for Need For Speed Unbound and join us on the Qualbert Discord to chat about your favourite racing games.