I gave up on the Fast and Furious franchise along time ago about number 7 or 8, but the trailer showcasing an actual plot and a new character that really stood made me decide to spend my Saturday night taking in the action.
The movie is filled with typical car stunts and special effects but where it shines is with Jason Momoa’s turn as Dante Reyes a new character tying back into the 5th installment with the team in Brazil. Momoa’s Dante has the eccentricity of Jim Carey’s Riddler and combining psychopathy and cunning of Heath Ledger’s Joker mixed with androgyny to create a memorable character that fans of the franchise and movie goers loving. I doubt they will but give the man an Oscar for that performance.
Outside of Momoa’s turn as the villainous Reyes the only strong points is the chemistry with John Cena’s Jakob Toretto and Leo Abelo Perry as his nephew Brian “Little B” Marcos. The short appearance from Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw is a great addition to the film as is the mid-credit seen which sees another actor return to the franchise. Alan Richardson as Agent Aimes is a good addition to the cast and having not seen him in Reacher, probably not since he starred in Blue Mountain State I have to say he is massive or “yoked” as the kids would say.
The movie suffers from the same old same over the top action sequences, as well as having more undead characters than a midday soap opera as you will see by the end.
The movie is saved with some comedy and the over the top villainous portrayal by Momoa. Again you should wait for the mid-credit scene as it is a good one. Unless you are a big Fast and the Furious fan this is one you can probably wait to see.
It was good to see a Fast and Furious movie have a good plot for the first time since maybe number 6 as the series has long since jumped the shark. With the movie now being part of a trilogy to end the franchise instead of 2-parter it will be interesting to see where it goes from here. The one of the only major living characters to not appear in this one but one could hope is Luke Evans back as Owen Shaw which would fit in with Statham’s role in the movie.
Final Grade: 6/10
– Everett
