Movie Review: FAST X

If one is going to check out any of the films in the FAST AND FURIOUS franchise, one knows what one is going to get. A film that is big, loud, dumb, physics-defying, death-defying and over-the-top with quips and explosions galore. FAST X, the 10th (or is it 11th) entry in this franchise takes this premise to nth degree and “Avengers: Endgame’s it”, bringing back character after character from the previous films in this franchise and making the situations and action/adventure sequences louder, more bombastic and more preposterous than ever before.

And…the BankofMarquis loved every second of it.

The very definition of a “Summer Blockbuster” film, FAST X takes our hero, Dominic Torreto (the very one-note Vin Diesel, and that is meant as a compliment) and his “family” on their “last adventure” (as the advertisement says) as they are attacked by a villain who’s “family” was killed by Dom in an earlier film. So this one has strong emotional stakes in it as it is “family” against “family”.

Ah…who are we kidding…this is just the excuse to blow stuff up.

With a very large cast (more on them later), new to the franchise Director Louis Letterier (NOW YOU SEE ME) wisely carves up the story into 3 (or is it 4) different storylines, with groups of these folks working together on separate (yet connected) adventures. It is an idea that works well in this film as Letterier can quickly cut from one to another to get the tension up, the action moving and the thinking to a minimum. Exactly what this franchise needs.

He brings a swift eye to the over-the-top action sequences (the first large set piece in Rome works particularly well), never lingering on anything too long, but keeps the pace…and the action…going at a good clip and choreographs the action smartly, keeping the audience in the know about the geography and the intent of the actions - a must for action flicks.

Returning to the franchise are Fast regulars Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Mia (Jordana Brewster), Roman (Tyrese Gibson, still earning a paycheck), Tej (Ludacris), Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) and Han (Sung Kang) and while some of their shtick (I’m looking at you, banter between Tej and Roman) are getting a bit tired, they all seem to be enjoying themselves and watching these folks on the screen in yet another Fast and Furious film is liking pulling on a comfortable pair of sweats after a long day.

They are joined by some erstwhile regulars who have shown up from time to time and most of these folks USED TO BE foes, but are now part of “the family”, including “Little Nobody” (Scott Eastwood), Cypher (Charlize Theron), Queenie (Helen Mirren!) and Shaw (Jason Statham). Oh…and did I mention the newcomers…Brie Larson, Alan Ritchson and (of all people) Rita Moreno? They all look like they are having a good time and are game for whatever absurdity - be it action or dialogue - they are given.

But….recognition needs to be made to 2 other very BIG performers who stand out above a crowded cast list.

Returning - this time as a good guy - is John Cena as Dom’s “little” brother, Luke (the villain in Fast 9). The BankofMarquis has always been lukewarm on Cena’s ability as a performer, but in this instance, he finds exactly the right note between humor and physicality and plays his character to the hilt, bringing in a tone of eye-winking “I know what type of film I’m in” that is sorely needed, his presence elevates the energy and the fun in this summer action flick.

But Cena’s “eye-winking-ness” (if that is a word) is nothing compared to the scenery chewing over-the-top, yet oddly loveable, quirky and interesting mega-villain that Jason Momoa (that’s right, Aquaman) brings to the table. His Dante Reyes is the lynchpin of this film (and, presumably, the next one) and he is a joy to watch, giving some life and spirit to the bad guy that augments Diesel’s one-note rock steadiness (don’t get me wrong, you WANT Diesel to be one-note steady, it’s the bedrock of this franchise) and Momoa and Diesel play off and balance each other wonderfully.

Oh…and there are a few other “surprise” cameos that would be a spoiler to mention here, but the BankofMarquis cheered when they showed up on screen.

Rumor is that this (and the next one - for this film DOES end on a cliffhanger - is the end of the Fast and Furious Franchise. If that is the case, this franchise is going out with a bang.

Pun intended.

Letter Grade: A- (You get EXACTLY the type of film you are expecting)

8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)