Fast X Is An Insane Ride (2023) | Film Review

Before walking into Fast X, this formally two-part chapter (this film was announced as 2 movies to conclude the series) was formally touted as a possible trilogy by Vin Diesel and director Louis Leterrier. Ergo, an epic conclusion akin to The Lord of the Rings, obviously. But instead of walking to Mordor, we’re driving.

It feels important to note that, unlike all previous Fast and Furious films, there is no real conclusion here. In fact, it does seem as though this is all set up for two MORE films in this series that has bucked every trend and statistic Hollywood has for a franchise, as we end on a cliffhanger and Vin’s comments are now in the ether. So, is Fast X basically The Empire Strikes Back with cars, bridging the upcoming films together with real stakes and emotional complexities? Have you ever seen one of these movies?!

If the answer is no, then don’t start here. There are literally 463 characters in Fast X, and half of them carry baggage from previous films. This is a series built for the long haul, not a quick trip, and despite the previous films all having a beginning and definitive conclusion of sorts, this adventure is all about the family you already know.

There’s that word: Family. It deserves to be capitalized as it’s basically a name as synonymous with the Fast and Furious films as Dom Toretto and oversized cross necklaces. For this entry, the entire Fast Family is back – Dom (Vin Diesel), Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Ludacris, who has a hilarious bobblehead gag), Han (Sung Kang), Mia (Jordana Brewster), Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel), Jakob (John Cena), Queenie (Helen Mirren), Shaw (Jason Statham), Cipher (Charlize Theron), Little Nobody (Scott Eastwood) and Little Brian (Leo Abelo Perry).

The cast budget alone for these films is easily approaching ONE BILLION a movie as we also get treated to new Family members Abuelita (Rita Moreno, here solely because it’s freaking Rita Moreno), Tess (Brie Larson, as Nobody’s daughter, also in the Agency), and Isabel (Daniela Melchior, you’ll see how). Not to mention, Aimes (Reacher’s Alan Ritchson, glistening with a fresh tan and Cheshire Cat smirk), a new Agency lead who is brought in to hunt down the Family for reasons that will become obvious as you watch the film. Aimes also delivers a witty breakdown of the series thus far, a sounding board for all the Twitter haters out there who insist on reminding anyone who will listen that they don’t like these movies (FYI – we don’t care).

I am being careful not to spoil Fast X because, believe it or not, there are a few genuine surprises this time. Suffice it to say, the Family is under siege by the son of Fast Five’s Hernan Reyes, Dante (Jason Momoa). His father was killed in the safe siege of that earlier film, and Dante has had a decade to prepare for his wrath. His plan is as elaborate as any Bond villain, and as ridiculous as any Marvel entity. But let’s just agree that if you’re hanging with this series 10 movies in, you stopped caring about plotting a LONNNNG time ago.

So, what do you care about? Action? Stunts? Shunning gravity and physics alike? FasTen your seatbelts and strap in, because the set-pieces are insanely bombastic and maniacally joyful to behold. Thankfully we stayed away from space this time, but that doesn’t make this film any more grounded than the last. Taking over for Justin Lin (who left due to exhaustion), director Louis Leterrier is a solid fit for the Fast franchise, as he knows how to keep the pace and characters constantly moving.

Our Family gets separated numerous times, leading to various fight scenes, car chases, bonkers stunts (the Rome scene as our heroes attempt to thwart an attack on the Vatican is phenomenal), and even a few quiet moments of touching reflection. After a rather mundane and dreary entry with F9 (which established that this series is completely OK retconning massive story elements like Han dying in an exploding car or Dom and Mia having a previously never mentioned brother), Fast X gets back on track. It’s still mindlessly absurd and utterly ridiculous, of course, but the FUN is back.

The entire cast delivers as they all have in previous films, they ARE these characters by now, and somehow each cast member gets their own sliver of screen time to shine. That said, the standout is easily Jason Momoa. Despite essentially borrowing the same plot as Furious 7, this is a perfect mesh of character and actor which simply works.

Dante is Jack Sparrow if Joker was his father and vengeance was his motivator: a whirlwind of chaos, destruction, and sexual nuance. Clearly relishing his chance to bounce off the deep end, Momoa single-handedly saves this series from imploding on itself with self-seriousness, rejuvenating it in the process. Madness, glee, and a complete lack of empathy make for the best villain in the franchise thus far, and finally one that has no place for redemption in our established Family. He’s THAT good.

All-in-all, Fast X continues what fans have come to expect from the Fast and Furious films, while polishing up this tired ride with a fresh coat of Jason Momoa having an absolute blast. These films will never win any awards, but for over two hours I wore nothing but a smile on my face. Isn’t that what going to the movies is all about?

Listen to our full review of Fast X on this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast: