Fast X tells the story of three extremely different father-son relationships, each of which is hinged on a very different life philosophy.
★★★★✰
These relationships become entangled as a result of a Fast X team heist that leaves multiple casualties in its wake, and results in a meticulously and methodically planned revenge plot with all the violence, explosions, and high-speed car chases that are expected from the franchise.
The film starts with an ominous mantra from actor Joaquim de Almeida, who plays the father of Dante the villain, minutes before the heist happens, which sets the tone for the action-packed events that follow: “Death shouldn’t be accepted as payment when suffering is owed.” Without giving too much away, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his son Brian (Leo Abelo Perry) are on the receiving end of this mantra. The Fast & Furious team assemble, with the addition of some very unexpected and unwanted, yet vital, help, to foil the revenge plot.
The film does not disappoint, with a steady flow of maximum-impact stunts and high-drama sequences. Special effects and reality are blended seamlessly, and there are enough slower-paced scenes to build an acute level of suspense and make the action even more gripping.
It is astonishing that after some 22 years of the franchise’s existence, the enduring roles are still played with such deep and convincing conviction. Notwithstanding the motivation that probably comes from the money the film makes, and the continued fame and fandom it brings.
There are several well-placed moments of humour throughout the film, largely delivered by chief villain Dante (Jason Momoa), Little Nobody (Scott Eastwood), and of course Roman and Tej (musicians Tyrese and Ludacris). One highlight is Dante’s fixation on nails; manicuring his own hands and those of the dead. Little Nobody’s descriptions of the X team also provide some laughs: “If it violated the laws of God and gravity, they did it twice” and “It’s like a cult of cars”, being two standout examples.
The film’s script is transparent in its build-ups to escalations in fighting and plot twists. Dante’s “The suffering is over Dom, it’s time for you to die” is so direct that it spoils what should be surprising for the audience; some scenes do lose their impact.
The Verdict
Those who are not die-hard fans of the Fast & Furious films, or who lost interest after the first few instalments, will have a renewed respect for and potentially a new-found excitement for the franchise after watching Fast X. A dead horse being flogged is surprisingly not the metaphor that comes to mind when thinking about this film; it has proved its worthiness of a tenth run. It wouldn’t be surprising if XI is on the way, especially considering the shock ending, and the major plot twist revealed only to the faithful cinemagoers who stay in their seats as the credits roll.
Words by Solape Alatise
Fast X is in UK cinemas from 19 May 2023.
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