Fast X (2023), Dir Louis Leterrier, Universal Pictures, 4****: Matthew Alicoon

Fast X

Universal Pictures

Running Time: 141 Minutes

Fast X follows Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa) who is out for revenge on Dominic Toretto and his family after the events that occurred during Fast Five where ruthless drug lord Herman Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida) was killed.

It is worth starting out by saying that the next instalments of Fast and Furious should have family in the title. The film is a very personal family orientated drama about how Dom's crew is threatened to be disintegrated apart. However, the main issue with the strong angle is that the film hammers home so much of what the narrative is about, as prior to and after the high octane set pieces the script makes it arguably too apparent and on the nose that this is a family drama.

Aside from the script issue, the film is an absolute blast from start to finish. Fast X is a machine fuelled ride that contains two remarkable set pieces with the Rome chase sequence and the final 20-30 minutes. It is important to understand the laws of gravity, as they are completely defied due to the involvement of a helicopter. Ignoring the laws of gravity weirdly will provoke you to go with the film, as there is nail-biting tension at various pinpoints due to the grandeur scale of the production. However, as the film is so family focused it creates this formidable tension particularly through Jason Momoa's character. 

Jason Momoa steals the show and arguably outshines the ensemble. The character is perfectly over cranked and is not afraid to get their hands dirty. A common trait for villains is sometimes letting other people administer the dirty work, whereas Momoa has so much fun. He brilliantly is deviously wicked and is an unrelenting force of nature, as he wants to make the family suffer rather than just kill them instantly. It can be imagined Momoa relished this role and he is arguably one of the best villains in the franchise’s history. The impact he has is memorable to say the least.

Another major standout was John Cena who feels far more of a natural inclusion within the narrative parameters this time, as he gets to continuously charm as Jakob Toretto (Dom's Brother). He also gets a lot of scene stealing moments. The fear in Vin Diesel is constantly felt throughout and powerless choices are a big part of the story.

If you overcome the fact that gravity is defied in Fast X then it is a juggernaut of a production. Spectacular set pieces particularly in Rome and the final 30 minutes are INTENSE.

One of the better instalments for sure.

Cast

Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto

Jason Momoa as Dante Reyes

Michelle Rodriguez as Letty Ortiz

Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce

Ludacris as Tej Parker

John Cena as Jakob Toretto

Nathalie Emmanuel as Ramsey