'Fast X' Review: Jason Momoa Livens Up the Mayhem on Wheels
- Details
- Category: New Series and Movie Reviews
- Published: Wednesday, 17 May 2023 11:11
- Written by Lupe R Haas
The tenth installment of the FAST & FURIOUS franchise is more of the same gravity-defying stunts and laughable dialogue but Jason Momoa fuels the action with humor. The script is also filled with fun moments that poke fun at the "familia" and the ridiculous car stunts.
Once again, revenge drives the plot with Jason Momoa playing a past foe's son, Dante who witnessed his father’s demise at the hands of the crew. His target is Dom’s (Vin Diesel) 8-year-old son.
The returning cast members include Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Jason Statham, John Cena, and Scott Eastwood, with Oscar® winner Helen Mirren and Oscar® winner Charlize Theron. Joining the mayhem on wheels is Momia, Brie Larson, Alan Ritchson (Titans, Reacher), Rita Moreno and Daniela Melchior (THE SUICIDE SQUAD, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3)
From the start line, the movie kicks off with a Charger drifting around the Dodger Stadium parking lot, looking over Los Angeles. When we finally see who is behind the wheel, it’s both laughable and irresponsible. Sure it’s just a movie, but this franchise has heavily influenced street car racing.
Going into this franchise, you have to put away logic. In addition to over-the-top action, every installment introduces new Toretto family members. The last movie introduced a brother, and this time we have a grandmother played by Rita Moreno. You have to overlook the fact that in the original movie, Dom and Mia were set up as orphans who turned to crime to survive.
Why harp on the impossibilities of the franchise like characters returning from the dead, a souped-up Chargers at Dom’s beck and call like a Batmobile, or introducing characters (Brie Larson, Helen Mirren) with no real purpose, other than to bring star power.
The FAST & FURIOUS franchise tapped into a multicultural phenomenon never seen on screen. Others have tried imitating it and failed. The billion-dollar saga just keeps going and going like the Energizer Bunny. Obviously, fans enjoy the over-the-top shenanigans and will keep returning to the big screen for it.
So let’s talk about the highlights in this film. Jason Momoa and Alan Ritchson are great additions to FAST X. Both bring comedy and muscles to their new characters.
Aquaman brings a different sort of vibe to this tough guy. Dante is a bit flamboyant and a psychopath with funny lines. Momoa livens up the formulaic movie.
Alan Ritchson, the former Titans star is finding success playing tough characters with his star-turning performance as Jack Reacher. The actor brings that charisma and humor as Aimes, the head of the Agency formerly run by Mr. Nobody played by Kurt Russell. Ritchson is given some of the best lines when we meet him. Aimes sums up the ridiculousness of the franchise with a self-awareness that lightens up the moments. Acknowledging those laughable elements works serves in a way to allow yourself to enjoy the illogical storyline. As weird as that may sound.
Directed by Louis Leterrier (CLASH OF THE TITANS, THE INCREDIBLE HULK), the director brings nothing new to the franchise unless he can take credit for the self-aware moments which is the only new thing in this tired installment. From start to finish, FAST X is cookie-cutter.
FAST X is more outrageousness on wheels so expect nothing less.