‘Fast X’: A Mindless, Action-Packed Thrill Ride

The iconic “Fast & Furious” franchise, known for pushing the boundaries of action cinema, is hurtling towards its supposed finale in the 10th instalment, aptly titled “Fast X.”

However, Vin Diesel, the producer and star of the series, has hinted at the possibility of extending the franchise further, teasing the idea of splitting the “finale” into three movies.

With each new release, Diesel tends to stir up speculation and anticipation, using his trademark catchphrases to captivate audiences. But is there such a thing as too much of a good thing?

“Fast X” suffers from being only half a story, leaving fans on a cliff-hanger. It attempts to reunite all the A-list characters introduced in the previous nine films, creating a spectacle that starts and stalls its way through the narrative.

The central villain, played by Jason Momoa, enters the scene as Dante, a flamboyant character seeking vengeance against Dominic Toretto (Diesel) and his crew. However, the film’s script, best ignored for its inconsistencies, awkwardly retcons Dante into the series, diluting his impact.

Charlize Theron’s character, Cipher, returns as a warning of an impending war that threatens to destroy everything Dom and his crew hold dear.

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The convoluted plot, full of leaps in logic and pointless scenes turned into fistfights, may confuse casual viewers. Yet, fans of the franchise are accustomed to such narrative irregularities, finding excitement in the action sequences that permeate the film.

Director Justin Lin, responsible for five of the previous films, masterfully tied together a series that had veered off course, but he relinquished the directorial reins for “Fast X.” Louis Leterrier, known for his action-oriented films like the “Transporter” series, took over.

While Leterrier excels in delivering thrilling action sequences, the story suffers. Characters constantly jump in and out of speeding vehicles, a signature element of the franchise, but their motivations become muddled amidst the chaos.

The introduction of Dante as a character who possesses intricate knowledge of the franchise adds an odd layer of ambiguity.

Dante’s flamboyant wardrobe and his theatrics in causing mass destruction create a strange juxtaposition with the series’ predominantly heterosexual themes.

Moreover, the film’s tendency to showcase faceless women in revealing attire before each street race continues to perpetuate a problematic objectification of women.

Among the new female characters, Daniela Melchior and Brie Larson stand out, providing a much-needed female presence in a male-dominated cast.

The extensive ensemble cast, while impressive, struggles to find meaningful roles for everyone, leaving certain actors, like Helen Mirren, with minimal screen time. As Dom attempts to protect his son, the extended circle of friends becomes a vulnerability that Dante intends to exploit.

“Fast X” boasts explosive sequences set in various locations, from Rome to Brazil, Portugal, Los Angeles, and even Antarctica. However, the proximity of these locations and the franchise’s flexible understanding of mortality and plausibility strain the viewer’s suspension of disbelief.

The movie introduces end-credits scenes featuring unexpected cameos, hinting at the future of the franchise. While the “Fast & Furious” series shows no signs of slowing down, labelling “Fast X” as the first part of a finale feels more like a marketing gimmick than a well-thought-out conclusion.

Somto Bisina