Fast X

As I re-read over my reviews of the Fast and Furious franchise (6, 7, 8, and 9) I've always had a lot to say about the nature of this franchise and, lately, those that are still scoffing at its preposterous nature. I won't spend much time about that here other than to say: if you're still paying to see these movies, thinking they'll change then you're going on "Fool me ten times..." and that says a lot!

For the rest of us who knee-slappingly love these films because they're just so outlandish, Fast X feels like it introduces the beginning of the end. I found I had a blast with it BUT it is a combination of elements that are some of the weakest in this franchise, while also featuring some energy-injecting strength. 

Weakest here is twofold: the script and Vin Diesel himself. Scripts have always been a mix of corny and cliché here once the series transitioned to the spy world, but in Fast X there are parts where it's painfully bad as characters try to explain what's happening or what needs to be done. This is fixable and while it'll never need to feature an all-time script, this one feels decidedly lazy most of the time. Diesel, on the other hand, doesn't feel lazy, just overused. He's a fine actor for this type of film, but Fast X wore me down with the amount of Dom. It feels more prominent than previous films with him as the centerpiece and it's not a massive complaint, but it feels exacerbated here from the direct comparison from our villain. 

That villain - easily the best in the entire franchise thus far - is Jason Mamoa's Dante. He injects the most energy and life since The Rock joined Fast Five (which is still the high point). This film recognizes that and ties back to said film, and Momoa's Dante is gleefully incredible. Equal parts Joker, comedian, and rockstar. Momoa's ability to lean into the zany, sociopathic humor while also being menacing makes many other villains-turned-family look boring in comparison. The whole thing does truly feel like the "big one" as this series' finale is in its sights either with one or two final films. Thankfully, it ends on a cliffhanger with Momoa's villain still in the running (spoiler, I guess?) so he is, by default, the "Thanos" of the Fast Universe. Alan Ritchson and Brie Larson are also welcome additions who I hope to see in future iterations as well. 

Outside of those Pros and Cons, Fast X features what you already know you're getting. Some balls-to-the-wall action setpieces that defy physics, a pre-workout-inspired playlist, and lots of "family". The formula is tried and true and still works here, even if it feels like the CGI is getting worse with each iteration, strangely. These are still entertaining as hell, and practically exist in their own microcosm of rating scale at this point so take my final number with a grain of salt if you've already hit your mileage with this franchise. 

Rapid Rath's Review Score | 8/10