FAST X is a paisa-vasool entertainer that has the potential to work big time

Fast X (English) Review {3.5/5} & Review Rating

FAST X is the story of Dominic Toretto and his family facing a threat from the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced. All is well in the life of Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), his wife Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), son Brian (Leo Abelo Perry) and his gang members – Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson), Tej Parker (Ludacris), Mia (Jordana Brewster), Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) and Han (Sung Kang). Roman informs his team that they have got a mission in Rome from Little Nobody (Scott Eastwood). Roman expresses a desire to lead the mission and he’s joined by Tej, Ramsey and Han. After they leave, Dominic and Letty get an unexpected visitor, Cipher (Charlize Theron), in an injured state. She informs them that Dante (Jason Momoa) is out to seek revenge on Dominic and his gang. The next day, Little Nobody informs Dominic and Letty that he never sent Roman and others on any mission. Realizing that it’s a setup and that their lives are in danger, Dominic, Letty and Little Nobody head to Rome immediately. Dante knew that Dominic would arrive at the Italian city to save his gang members. He unleashes an evil plan which makes Dominic and all the gang members the most wanted criminals in the world. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Dan Mazeau, Justin Lin and Zach Dean’s story is very exciting. Dan Mazeau and Justin Lin’s screenplay does total justice to the plot. FAST & FURIOUS 9’s [2021] first half was dry and unexciting and here, the makers have ensured they don’t repeat the same mistake. The writers have peppered the narrative with grand and exhilarating action sequences from start to finish. The dialogues are well-worded and funny.

Louis Leterrier’s direction is first-rate. This is the first time he’s executing a film of the FAST & FURIOUS franchise and he does complete justice. Handling a film like this is a challenge since viewers have seen some incredible stunts already in the first 9 films. Louis and his team, in this regard, succeed big time as they come up with very thrilling, novel and nail-biting situations which are sure to take your breath away. At the same time, the villain this time is ruthless and unlike the previous antagonists.

On the flipside, while the first half has some spectacular action sequences, the second half pales in comparison. The cinematic liberties are also too many, which might not be liked by a section of the audiences.

FAST X begins on a fine note, introducing viewers to Dante and why he’s on a path to torture Dominic and his gang and not finish them off in one go. The film is a bit slow thereafter but picks up with the scene of Cipher. The Rome sequence, however, is paisa-vasool and takes the film to many notches higher. The scene where Dominic and Dante come face to face for the first time is quite dramatic. Post-interval, the fight in the cyber café, though exciting, seems forced. Thankfully, the film picks up soon enough. The last 30-40 minutes are captivating. The film ends thrillingly, with the promise that the eleventh part will be hopefully bigger and better.

Speaking of performances, Vin Diesel rocks the show. Jason Momoa is terrific, to say the least. The way he has added crazy nuances to his performances is seen to be believed. Michelle Rodriguez is dependable while Leo Abelo Perry is adorable. Tyrese Gibson raises a lot of laughs. Ludacris, Nathalie Emmanuel and Sung Kang lend able support. Charlize Theron is memorable. Scott Eastwood is decent in a small role. Jason Statham (Deckard Shaw) is too good and his entry is sure to be greeted with whistles and claps. John Cena (Jakob Toretto) leaves a huge mark and also adds to the humour quotient. Brie Larson (Tess) is impressive. Daniela Melchior (Isabel), Alan Ritchson (Aimes) and Luis Da Silva Jr (Diogo) are fair. Jordana Brewster is hardly there.

Brian Tyler’s music goes well with the film’s mood and theme. Stephen F Windon’s cinematography is breathtaking. Jan Roelfs’s production design is very rich. Sanja Milkovic Hays’s costumes are impressive. The clothes worn by Jason Momoa stand out. The action, as expected, is one of the film’s USPs. A few scenes are truly clapworthy. The VFX matches global standards. Dylan Highsmith, Kelly Matsumoto, Laura Yanovich and Corbin Mehl’s editing is sharp.

On the whole, FAST X is a paisa-vasool entertainer that has the potential to work big time in cinemas due to the hype, popularity of the franchise, spectacular action scenes and mainstream appeal. At the box office, it has the potential to take advantage of limited competition till the release of ADIPURUSH on June 16 and cross the Rs. 100 crores mark.