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  • Writer's pictureKen Silvers

Fast X


It's hard to believe the first ""Fast and Furious" movie was released in 2001(!), and has been spinning off sequel after sequel since then. The first film concentrated on illegal street racing and followed this pattern through the 2009 film "Fast and Furious", until changing the film series into heists and spying plots with the 2011 release "Fast Five". The "Fast" films are Universal Studios largest franchise and there appears to be no stopping the films as they continue to experience box office success. The latest film in the franchise, "Fast X" is currently in theaters and is the first in a planned two part finale. In this effort Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his team: Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez), Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson), Tej Parker (Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Han Lue (Sung Kang), and Ramsey (Natalie Emmanuel), are ordered by the Agency to steal a computer chip in Rome, Italy, that is coveted by the the bad guys of the film. While Dom and Letty sit this mission out, they are told by criminal mastermind Cipher (Charlize Theron) there is someone far worse than her who is out to harm Dom and his family. That person would be Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa), the son of a drug lord who is seeking revenge against Dom and his crew for the death of his father and the loss of his family's fortune during the events of the 2011 film "Fast Five". After she reveals this to Dom at his home, she is taken into custody by Little Nobody (Scott Eastwood) who tells Dom there is no Agency mission in Rome, and realizes they have been set up by Dante. Dom and Letty head to Rome to rescue his team from the clutches of Dante. When they arrive in Rome, the duo discover the team has been locked in a truck containing a bomb that if set off, could devastate a large part of the city. After the exciting pursuit to stop the bomb and save his team, Dom is eventually able to guide the bomb into the Tiber River, but the resulting explosion still results in some major damage. As a result of the explosion, Dom and his team are blamed for the bombing, and a multi-million dollar bounty is set for their capture. Meanwhile, back in Los Angeles, Dom's son Brian "Little B" Marcos is being cared for Dom's sister Mia (Jordana Brewster), and the duo are soon under attack by an armed team out to capture Little B. Dom's brother Jakob (John Cena) arrives in time to save the duo, and takes Little B to a secret location in Portugal, where they will wait of Dom to arrive. Meanwhile, Dom is informed Dante is in Rio de Janeiro, and heads off to confront his new nemesis. When he arrives in Rio, he agrees to race Dante, and the race does not end well for two of the four participating. While this is happening Letty is being held in a prison in Antarctica with Cipher, and the two agreed to work together to form an escape plan. Whew, there is a lot going on in this movie! There are a lot of other happenings that lead to the eventual major showdown between Dom and Dante, which is exciting and over-the-top, as is most of the action in this film. Over the years, fans of the series have expected over-the-top stunts and witty banter between the actors and there is plenty of go around in the latest film. With all the actors making appearances in this film, including Alan Ritchson, Helen Mirren, Brie Larson, Rita Moreno, and Jason Statham, you would think it would be hard to stand out in this crowded film, but Momoa does, It's as if the "Aquaman" star has decided to play the Joker in a fancy wardrobe and chew the scenery in every scene he is in. His performance is a sight to behold, and leaves him as one of the best villains of the franchise. The film also features surprise appearances from two other stars featured in past films, Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot. There is a mid-credits scene, so don't leave the theater too soon. The ending leaves you wanting more, and we will get more as "Fast X: Part 2" is scheduled for release in 2025. Despite all the bombast, and amazing special effects, the heart of these films is always family, both related and chosen. "Fast X" is an epic summer film containing all the ingredients for a fun time at the theater. Now playing in theaters. (Rated PG-13)

4/5

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