Landing on digital platforms to own and rent whilst the film is still playing in cinemas, the tenth and [maybe] penultimate film in the famous action series, is another high-octane and predictable though enjoyable affair that fans of the famous two-decade-long franchise will lap up.
Fast X begins ten years in the past to the events of Fast Five (still arguably the best in the entire series) with Jason Momoa’s Dante introduced into the mix. Turns out, he witnessed the entire climax of that movie’s ending, which concluded with the death of his father, Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida). Dante barely survives and plots his vengeance on main man Dominic Toretto and his gang – sorry, family. It all starts when Roman (Tyrese Gibson). Ludacris’ Tej and Nathalie Emmanuel’s Ramsey are sent off on a mission set by Little Nobody (Scott Eastwood) and his top secret agency.
Meanwhile, Dom and his wife Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) stay at home with Dom’s son Little B (Leo Abelo Perry), father and son bonding on doughnuts in the car park while the family comes together over, yes, barbecues and Corona’s in the back yard. Soon, a familiar face turns up at the Toretto’s door to warn them of the coming threat of the devil himself, the villainous Dante who wants blood for the death of his beloved dad. Cure action sequences in the four corners of the globe – and Antarctica, thrown in for good measure – two and a half hours of returning characters, loud explosions, and throbbing testosterone.
Said action is unrelenting and an opening sequence featuring a rolling bomb, set to blow up The Vatican, is one of the stand-outs and a throwback to the fifth film in the series from which it borrows so much. One thing’s for sure, franchise newcomer Louis Letterier sure can direct an action scene, and there are sweeping drone shots, flying cars, and booming explosions that would make Michael Bay envious. The film is exactly what you expect it to be, and if you’re okay with that then there’s tons to enjoy.
Related: Fast X [theatrical review]
Fast X probably goes too far to please audiences though. It’s far too long – especially as the first in a two-parter – and there are far too many characters thrown in. Most get little more than a brief cameo with a handful just popping up in a solitary scene, while others – the likes of Diesel, Gibson, Ludacris, Emmanuel, John Cena, and newcomer Alan Ritchson given enough space to impress. But it is Jason Momoa who provides the most entertainment, his devilishly delicious turn as Dante one of the best villains the series has seen. He’s superb throughout and worth the rental/ purchase cost alone.
The film climaxes with a rewarding finale but, without giving too much away, ends on a massive cliffhanger that’ll have you craving more immediately. Then there’s the mid-credits sucker punch that is the best post-movie insert since Statham was introduced at the end of the sixth movie.
A worthy entry to the series that proves there are still roads for the far-from-tired franchise to chase down.
Fast X is now playing in cinemas and is available to rent or buy on digital.
Fast X
Summary
Delivers exactly what you expect it to, and then some. While there are some many characters to follow, some of whom show up very little, this is the first part in a franchise closer that’ll have you wanting to see how it all plays out almost immediately. Momoa is fantastic, too.
