‘Fast X’ Movie Review: Jason Momoa Steals The Show With His Crazy Antics In Vin Diesel’s ‘Fast And Furious’ Saga

‘Fast X’: Cast & Crew

Director: Louis Leterrier

Cast: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, John Cena, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Scott Eastwood, Daniela Melchior, Alan Ritchson, Helen Mirren, Brie Larson, Rita Moreno, Jason Statham, Jason Momoa, Charlize Theron

Available In: Theatres

Duration: 2 Hours 21 Minutes

‘Fast X’: Story

Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family are targeted once again, and this time it’s a ghost from their past who returns to haunt them. Dom and his family and friends are hunted by the vengeful son of drug kingpin Hernan Reyes, Dante (Jason Momoa). Will Dom be able to save his family and friends once again? Or will Dante be able to come out victorious at the end? Who else from Dom’s past will return from the dead? Well, for all that, you’ll have to watch the movie.

‘Fast X’: Performances

Jason Momoa steals the show in his very first ‘Fast And Furious’ film. What is so cool about him is that despite having such a big muscular look, he manages to do some crazy antics – which makes that sinister feeling come out in him even better.

Vin Diesel is definitely in his zone as Dominic Toretto. There is an angst, a belligerence, a certain hunger that he brings to the character that fits him so perfectly that it doesn’t seem that he is playing a character. It just feels that he is so naturally Dom. While his character doesn’t have a different arc than what it has had in the previous films of the series, but this time he definitely looks a lot more emotional.

Tyrese Gibson does come up with a memorable performance once again. His war of words with Chris “Ludacris” Bridges makes the character so lovable. He brings the necessary fun element to this otherwise jam-packed action adventure.

Alan Ritchson definitely shows that he’s worthy of getting a place in ‘Fast And Furious’ saga. He may have lesser screen time, but he manages to showcase his prowess in the action department in just that much. Looking forward to seeing more of him in the coming part of the franchise.

John Cena began as the tough villain in the previous film, but by the end of it turned out to be a big ball of mush. He carries that character forward perfectly. However, it’s sad to see him play such a minuscule part in the film.

None of the others in the supporting cast has worthy screen time. They’re decent in the small screen space that they’ve got and manage to do good. However, there’s nothing standout in their acts.

‘Fast X’: Script, Direction & Technical Aspects

There’s hardly anything that Dan Mazeau and Justin Lin’s writing brings new in this part of the franchise, apart from making way for all the previous characters, dead or alive, to be brought back and fit into the timeline of ‘Fast And Furious’. The basic story is just a one-liner – an old nemesis returns to take revenge against Dom, his family and his friends. That’s it. Just this thin line sews all the different action sequences together. Sadly, it’s not the first time that this has happened in the ‘Fast And Furious’ Saga. It’s a regular occurrence in all of their movies, and it’s come to a point now that audiences don’t care anymore about any storyline. They just want to see some great action even if it’s a wafer-thin storyline.

Honestly, when your script is just a one-liner, you need to have a massive talent to ensure that the movie delivers as an extravaganza to the audience. Louis Leterrier’s direction does exactly that. He is the best part about ‘Fast X’. The way he has shot the extensive action sequences one after the other, is nothing short of sheer brilliance. Even though you know all of it happening is humanly impossible and too bizarre to even think of in real life, the escapism still gets to you and you will be left on the edge of your seat hanging and craving for more.

Obviously, Louis Leterrier couldn’t have pulled this heavy-actioner without having a great cinematographer in Stephen F. Windon. What fantastic imagination, what brilliant picturisation, and what exotic locales – all of them come together and leave a heavenly feeling. Not to forget, the fantastic VFX work done. These action sequences are shot in such beautiful locales that you’re left wondering how they must have shot such scenes there. The answer is the brilliant amalgamation of Stephen F. Windon’s camerawork and the visual effects team. Superb!

Dylan Highsmith, Kelly Matsumoto, Laura Yanovich and Corbin Mehl’s editing is crisp and keeps you hooked till the end. It’s a great decision on their part not to release the film in its entirety and divide the finale of the franchise into two parts (or maybe three, who knows).

Brian Tyler’s background score and music are catchy and keep you hooked. However, there is no standout song like ‘See You Again’ from ‘Furious 7’ which you’ll just want to add to your playlist right now.

‘Fast X’: Can Kids Watch It?

Yes

Outlook’s Verdict

‘Fast X’ is tailor-made for all action aficionados. Every scene in the movie is a lead-up to some major action sequence which is filled with heavy artillery and, of course, cars. Don’t expect any hi-fi story because you’ll get none. Rather the story is like a thin string that just attaches all the hi-fi action sequences. If you’ve watched the previous films in the ‘Fast And Furious’ saga, you’re definitely going to love this too to the core. It’s definitely a gripping One Time Watch. I am going with 3.5 stars.