Fast X, also known as Fast & Furious 10, is an American action film released in 2023. It is directed by Louis Leterrier and features a screenplay written by Dan Mazeau and Justin Lin. The story was co-written by Justin Lin, Zach Dean, and Dan Mazeau. Serving as a sequel to the 2021 film F9, it is the tenth main installment and the eleventh overall in the Fast & Furious franchise. The movie stars Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto, alongside a talented ensemble cast including 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, and Charlize Theron. Notably, there is a mid-credits scene that should not be missed, providing additional excitement and possibly setting up a cliffhanger.
In the film, the main character Dom must protect his family from Dante Reyes, who seeks revenge for his father’s death and the loss of his family’s fortune.
Perhaps I am a sentimental enthusiast who appreciates captivating stories. I happened to come across some scathing reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, where the film garnered an 84% rating. Curious to see what these critical reviewers had to say, especially after witnessing the disappointing disaster that was Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, I stumbled upon John Serba’s remarks: “Out of gas. Spinning its tires. Stuck in the ditch. Slid too far off the road. Grinding its gears. Crashed and burning with one wheel spinning. Insert your automobile cliché here.” Overall, the reviews were mixed, with a particularly critical tone. I don’t mean to compare movies, as I previously mentioned, but Spider-Man received nothing but great reviews on the same site. Even online reviews outside of Rotten Tomatoes praised it as Oscar-worthy. In my opinion, which I expressed in that review, the movie was underwhelming and fell short of being even a mediocre attempt at cinema. (That review: https://www.agendamag.com/web-of-disappointment-unraveling-spider-man-across-the-spider-verse/.)
Now, let’s shift our focus to a movie like Fast X! It showcases impressive stunt work, special effects, decent acting, and a star-studded cast. Vin Diesel delivered a convincing performance that, while not exceptional, carried sincerity. I enjoyed the sense of family portrayed in the film. A group of outcasts living in East LA, racing cars, forming the backbone of a covert spy agency that is supposed to be on the side of justice. This team of extraordinarily talented drivers, computer hackers, and reformed thugs left an impact in this movie. I didn’t watch Aquaman, but after witnessing Jason Momoa’s range as a metro-sexual crazed killer, I am curiously intrigued about his abilities as an actor. He portrays the antagonist, relentlessly challenging Vin Diesel’s character throughout the entire film. The amount of car crashes, high-speed races and chases depicted in the movie was staggering, with what seemed to be minimal casualties. All of this was done in the name of family, trust, and faith in God. Call me sentimental, but I appreciated that. Ultimately, you can criticize this film all you want, but it should at least win some stunt awards and receive an Oscar nomination for its special effects! I loved the cast and the excitement it brought. It somewhat reminded me of John Wick 4 with its destruction fiesta of bombs, outrageous schemes, and even intimate moments that allowed the audience to sink into their seats and relax before the next disaster struck. I genuinely enjoyed the movie, and despite its 2-1/2 hour runtime, it felt like it went by in a flash! My advice? Don’t pay heed to Rotten Tomatoes; Fast X was exhilarating, intense, and explosive!
I give Fast X a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. It kept me engaged, made sense, and pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Even after mourning the loss of some key characters, I found myself rooting for the protagonists. Vin Diesel remains a commanding presence, while Michelle Rodriguez showcases her strength in her interactions with Charlize Theron. These two women are formidable, and their chemistry is authentic, bold, and enjoyable to watch.
So, run out and see this movie while it’s still in theaters. This is one you definitely want to watch on a big screen!
