In the unfathomable expanse of cinematic longevity, who could have predicted that "The Fast and the Furious," birthed in 2001, would persistently tread the asphalt of our imaginations in 2023? This enduringly explosive spectacle, now transformed into the sprawling narrative monolith known as "The Fast Saga," unfurls across a tapestry woven with NOS fumes and boundless imagination. The franchise's trajectory has evolved from mere street-racing marauders to a clutch of globe-trotting superspies, capable of anything except adhering to the confines of rationality. As the annals of time unfold, the cinematic escapade christened "Fast X," or the colloquially-nicknamed "Fast Ten," races into view, defying both reason and all precedent, delivering a barrage of high-octane action that defies logic and coherence.
Director Louis Leterrier's foray into the turbulent domain of the Toretto family embarks on an enterprise of grandeur as monumental as the high-flying leaps that the franchise's vehicles routinely make. Yet, one must traverse the twists and turns of this souped-up thrill ride with the knowledge that, while logic clings by a thread, the giddy, chaotic abandon persists. As with all soap operas, a heaping spoonful of suspension of disbelief is the requisite entrΓ©e, here served with extra helpings. Enter Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel), the franchise's patriarchal linchpin, who steers his disparate band of petrol-heads through a tangled web of intrigue, far-fetched schemes, and newfound family connections.
In this endeavor, the film's inherent promise falls slightly short of its overinflated tires. What commences as a valiant effort to synthesize an emotional crescendo swiftly spins off course, ricocheting through an array of inconsistencies, historical contradictions, and unresolved character fates. Let us not forget the resurrections, and their somersaulting acrobatics over the plots of past installments—Letty, Han, Gisele—all form part of the fantastical resurrections, betraying not just physics, but narrative cohesion. The labyrinthine twists of the plot occasionally feel less like an ingenious puzzle and more like an unintentional chaotic swirl, with characters and their motivations subjected to narrative gyrations akin to a vehicular somersault.
The fascination of these films, though, often transcends the ludicrous trajectory they've taken. It's not about deciphering the franchise's cultural pedigree—it's about embracing the sprawling ensemble cast, with a rogue's gallery that extends its inviting grip to even its villains. The audacious flippancy of Dwayne Johnson's Hobbs, and the unexpected charms of Helen Mirren's Magdalene Shaw, create an eccentric camaraderie that, while implausible, remains captivating. The notion of 'family' swells as an ever-present battle cry, almost to the point of parody, but still resonates in this ensemble opera of muscle cars and interpersonal entanglements.
Fast X careens through its narrative like an out-of-control dragster, a pace driven by CG-enhanced spectacles that, however thrilling, occasionally tarnish the visceral pleasures of the franchise's original street-racing grit. What this latest iteration gains in audacity, it perhaps surrenders in tactile authenticity. The film's ambitious stunts and frenetic chase sequences bear the unmistakable imprint of computer wizardry, at times diluting the visceral connection that true automotive feats evoke. It's as if the franchise, too eager to outdo itself, momentarily loses sight of the essence that once made it magnetic.
Universal Pictures generously augments the home release with a cornucopia of bonus features, offering enthusiasts a delectable trove of behind-the-scenes revelations. From the mechanics of stunt choreography to the camaraderie of the cast, these features amplify the viewing experience, serving as a reminder that, despite the film's outlandish flights of fancy, there's a dedication to the art of movie-making that deserves acknowledgment.
Fast X, despite its convolution and narrative entropy, remains a testament to the boundless capacity of cinematic fiction to defy the constraints of reality. In its unapologetic pursuit of ever-more-ludicrous escapades, it carves a niche in the annals of film history, celebrating audacity and irreverence over coherence. This chapter, marked by its missteps and soaring ambitions, leaves us poised on the cusp of a climactic conclusion. Time alone will unveil whether the next installment will course-correct the narrative or lean even more audaciously into the paradoxes that define this franchise—a head-spinning odyssey fueled by imagination and gasoline.
BONUS FEATURES ON 4K, BLU-RAY™ and DIGITAL :
- THIS IS FAMILY - Family bonds are always the strongest. Reunite with your favorite FAST family members as we introduce new characters, travel across continents, reveal intimate views of epic stunts, and get personal about the beginning of the end of the FAST franchise.
FAST BREAKS: SCENE BREAKDOWNS WITH LOUIS LETERRIER* - Director Louis Leterrier gives insight into some of the magic that went into making FAST X, breaking down how he filmed these unforgettable action scenes in legendary locations around the world.
- XTREME RIDES OF FAST X - In FAST, we cast cars like we cast characters. Take a closer look at how classic FAST cars were rebuilt for FAST X, and which new vehicles are customized and introduced to enhance the lifeblood of the franchise.
BELLES OF THE BRAWL - The women of FAST X are not to be messed with. Watch as they add their special talents to huge fight scenes, from rehearsal to the real thing.
TUNED INTO RIO - Revisit FAST's past as our story takes us back to Rio de Janeiro, where we'll experience a non-stop party, exotic cars, and a classic FAST quarter mile street race.
JASON MOMOA: CONQUERING ROME* - Jason Momoa joins the FAST franchise to portray a villain that pushes the team to the brink of disaster. Watch as Momoa discusses his approach to the character, biking down the narrow streets of Rome, and performing his own stunts.
LITTLE B TAKES THE WHEEL - Get to know the youngest member of the Toretto family as we dive into Little B’s journey in FAST X and introduce Leo Abelo Perry.
A FRIEND IN THE END - The FAST franchise has a history of shocking end-credit tags, and FAST X is no different. We take a special look at this scene and why, if you're watching a FAST movie, you never want to get up before the end credits are finished!
GAG REEL*
MUSIC VIDEOS
- "TORETTO" BY J BALVI
- "ANGEL PT. 1" BY KODAK BLACK & NLE CHOPPA (FEATURING JIMIN OF BTS, JVKE & MUNI LONG)
FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR LOUIS LETERRIER*
* Included on all formats including DVD