Movie Review: Fast X
The Fast and Furious franchise continues. With the release of “Fast X,” we come back to Dominic Torreto and his family. In this film, a bad guy (Jason Momoa) seeks vengeance against Dom and company for their actions in “Fast Five” (2011). In that film, they robbed the villain’s father and ultimately played a part in his death. While these connections sound interesting, “Fast X” proves to be a grand misadventure, lacking both creativity and emotional stability.
While “Fast X” is labeled an “action movie,” it falls way short of genre expectations, unleashing action that is consistently dull. Simply put, it’s sad that this is what a Hollywood studio releases when they have over $200 million dollars to work with. Whereas other great action films, like “John Wick: Chapter 4” (2022) and “Mission: Impossible- Fallout” (2018), constantly change the mechanics of their conflicts, “Fast X” is in a state of constant repetition with its set pieces. If anything, the action reminds us that the film’s heroic characters are virtually indestructible. This superhero-like complex lowers the overall stakes, diminishing a narrative that is filled with stale theatrics and atrocious special effects.
As expected, “Fast X” is Vin Diesel’s movie. This is a problem since Diesel is now a narrative liability, one that lacks even an iota of energy. His monotone, lifeless portrayal of Dom is jarring and feels lifetimes away from his great performance in “Fast 9” (2021). There are other actors, such as John Cena, Sung Kang and Jason Statham, who are more interesting at this point. Sadly, they are relegated to being supporting characters who lack purpose. Thus, these respectable actors end up being attached to throwaway characters, unable to get the film out of its creative rut. Not even Jason Momoa’s energetic efforts can bring life into the film’s soulless villain. Still though, I give Momoa credit for giving it his all.
These criticisms may seem harsh, but it’s important for me to note that I have been a fan of this franchise since childhood. Actually, I enjoy every film in the series, with the exception of “Fate of the Furious” (2017) and “Fast X.” In all honesty, the Fast and Furious saga should have ended with “Furious 7” (2015), but money talks and corrupts. Years ago, the series was reinventing itself for the better, but nowadays it is beyond its golden years, in a state of perpetual mediocrity. While I do not have much hope for this franchise’s future, I sincerely hope that the team involved will make a future installment that lives up to the hype.
My Opinion:
Bad (1/4)
