‘Fast X’ is the beginning of the end

Fast & Furious’ is back from outer space (yes, that was seriously a plot point in the last movie), as the multiple movie franchise sets the stage for its final lap.

Directed by Louis Leterrier and titled ‘Fast X’ (2023), the tenth ‘Fast & Furious’ film returns the family-extolling, Corona-drinking street racers turned The Agency affiliates in a bonkers, high-speed blockbuster that continues to defy the laws of physics.

In their long history of heists, missions and more, it stands to reason that the ‘Fast & Furious’ crew has made countless enemies. While some have eventually been invited to the obligatory barbecue, others still lurk in the shadows, plotting their revenge.

Enter Jason Momoa’s flamboyant antagonist Dante Reyes who sets his sights on team leader Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) after a crew job in Rio De Janeiro kills Dante’s drug lord dad and makes a dent in the family fortune.

Scene stealing in his answer to DC’s The Joker, Momoa’s Reyes is a truly unhinged villain who literally prances when wreaking deadly havoc across the globe in his bid to make Dom suffer.

Simple death, according to Dante’s dearly departed dad, is too merciful.

Thus, Reyes’ plan is to make Dom witness his biological and chosen family be framed, rendered fugitives and eventually murdered. The means to this end are just as wild as one would expect from a ‘Fast & Furious’ film and include a massive neutron bomb rolling through Rome, a rigged race in Rio de Janeiro and a fight to the near death at a black site in Antarctica.

Starring Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang and Nathalie Emmanuel who are all wanted criminals after the framing in Rome, ‘Fast X’ breaks into a bunch of underdeveloped, tonally inconsistent subplots as the crew attempts to evade capture and keep Dom’s son Little B (Leo Abelo Perry) safe from a vengeful psychopath.

The film will also delight fans with a number of returns and cameos.

While ‘Fast & Furious’ films are no narrative gems and ‘Fast X’s’ own attempt at wrangling the large ensemble and over-the-top plot is no different, they generally deliver on what the crowds keep showing up for.

Death defying stunts, insane driving, incredible action and explosion sequences, memorable one-liners, a great looking, highly watchable and multi-ethnic ensemble and a lot of talk about the importance of family.

“It’s like a cult with cars,” remarks Agency leader Aimes to Mr Nobody’s daughter Tess played by Brie Larson. And the man isn’t wrong.

In the world of the film, cars and the beloved crew who drive them are king and propel the action while fans, still tuning in 22 years after the first movie, also seem cultishly devoted to a franchise that has seen better days.

Film one of a trilogy slated to bring this family’s chapter to a close, the cliffhanging ‘Fast X’ is a must-see for fans keen to witness the beginning of the end of an era.

Want to win a movie ticket to see ‘Fast X’ (2023) or a movie of your choice at Ster-Kinekor? Simply answer the following question: In what year was the first ‘Fast & Furious’ movie released? Send your full name, cellphone number and your answer to weekender@namibian.com.na

– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com