Fast X
You know that phrase they always say before a movie that may or may not have had too many sequels and they're not sure how to get you to keep coming back for more? "Forget everything you think you know about [insert title here]." Kills me. Every time. I mean, I love me a well done cliché, but that's pushing it.
And "Fast X" is pushing it. Forget everything you think you know about FAMILY, street racing (which you coincidentally learned from the previous "Fast & Furious"-es), and secret government agencies. And physics. Forget that, too.
But not because you want to forget when these movies were actually about street racing. Those'll always be fond memories. Forget everything you think you know because you spent $6 on a ticket and you are going to enjoy it for all it's worth.
It's likely you can surmise the plot, but if not, I'll be quick: Hernan Reyes, the drug kingpin from a previous installment, has a son with a screw loose and a vengeful streak to boot who targets Dom Toretto and his FAMILY.
Being a hundred percent honest here, I'm not sure I've seen any Fast and Furious movies since they stole that huge vault and proceeded to drag it through the streets of Rio de Janeiro. Fortunately though, Fast X picks up the plot from there and fleshes it out a bit. A more cynical person might say they've reached the point in the series where they ran out of forward facing plots and now have to return to previous installments to mine for unexplored characters and backstories, but not me. I am quite certain they're exploring the idea that the choices you made in the past come back to haunt not just you, but your FAMILY as well. Just in a freakishly flashy sort of way.
Before you think me a hater, would you be shocked if I told you I was a fan of the acting? Vin Diesel is his Vin Dieseliest self, saying things like "FAMILY" and mutterings that would've fit better as a promotional tagline on the poster than dialogue in the script. I don't hate it though. He's carved out his own monotone niche and more power to him. His adorable son, Brian, is played by Leo Abelo Perry who finds the perfect mix of fear while trying to be tough for dad. And then there's Jason Momoa as Dante Reyes absolutely chewing up the scenery. He's insane, unpredictable, totally in character, and I'm a fan.
It's not a bad idea to have watched the other Fast & Furious movies before this. I had good intentions of doing so, but I was sucked into a bit of a Fast & Furious Wiki rabbit hole afterward instead. Somehow Dame Helen Mirren showed up (how did I miss this?) and Brie Larson was there with wide, deer-in-the-headlights eyes (same) and all of a sudden, Dom was giving driving lessons to his son (who I didn't know existed).
If the Fast & Furious had stayed in its lane,* I don't think it would have been an issue to skip a few movies in between. However, the plots have gotten so much bigger and so much more fantastical, it was inevitable I'd be a bit lost trying to decipher a now "slightly" bloated franchise. More than once, I shook my head in disbelief at the antics on screen, but at a certain point, you kind of do just have to lean in. They're not movies about street racing anymore (Technically, there is a scene that features a race, but I'm almost positive it's because they're contractually obligated to do so to retain sequel privileges).
More than once, I shook my head in disbelief at the antics on screen, but at a certain point, you kind of do just have to lean in.
And that's ok. They leaned into jumping the shark. The Fast & the Furious is about a crime FAMILY turned secret agent FAMILY with near superhero skills. And if you forget what it used to be (like, way back), you may have a good time. Watch it for what it is. It's an absolute ride** and I'm here for it.
As a last note, without context, I wouldn't worry too much about the cliffhanger. There's a better than decent chance this FAMILY can breathe underwater.
*Pun intended.
**I'd love to apologize, but it was right there.
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