L to R: Vin Diesel and Daniela Melchior in FAST X, directed by Louis Leterrier
Courtney Howard // Film Critic
It’s been 22 years since we saw Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) challenge Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) to a street race – and the franchise has been burning rubber ever since. A massive hit worldwide, the series has taken us on a journey where seatbelts are optional and a daredevilish need for speed is a pre-requisite. However, all roads are finally leading towards a wallop of an end with FAST X.
Directed by Louis Leterrier’s first part of the finale is full of bombast, bluster and bad-assery, taking cues from previous films in the saga – specifically FAST 5 – and putting more gasoline in its engine, in a 10th chapter fueled by revenge. It seems when Dom and the gang killed Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida), he left a son behind. That son being Dante (Jason Momoa), who’s had to live out his life without the love of his father. And now he’s seeking vengeance against Dom and his family, kidnapping Dom’s 8-year-old son Brian (Leo Abelo Perry), who Dom, naturally, promised to protect forever and ever. What ensues is an amazing “carcophony” of vehicular mayhem, including (but not limited to) a car divebombing other cars from a plane and a car smashing two helicopters into each other. Take a look.
Tess’ (Brie Larson) stern warning! Rita Moreno! Cipher (Charlize Theron) and Jakob’s (John Cena) return! So much more awaits us when FAST X debuts in theaters on May 19.
