Fast X (2023) — Movie Review

Launched in 2001 as a street-racing thriller, the Fast & Furious series has grown to represent various themes. It has fast cars and even faster drifting, the value of family, the allure of Hollywood spectacle, and a celebration of a diverse cast. With the arrival of Fast X, the franchise has seemingly become a self-referential critique of Hollywood's star system.

Fast X comes off as a complex mix of returning and new cast members, stretching the boundaries of manageability. It raises the question of the necessity of A-listers. For example, Brie Larson. It offers an analysis of how the balance of power has shifted from individuals to franchises. The actors appear to need the franchise more than it needs them. And, those who depart often return, their exits conveniently reinterpreted.

Take Vin Diesel, for instance. After the first Fast & Furious movie, which, along with Pitch Black, catapulted him to fame, Diesel briefly exited the franchise. However, following a string of unsuccessful ventures, he was back in 2009. He is not just Dominic Toretto but also a producer. Diesel intertwined himself with the franchise to the extent that he allegedly caused friction with director, Justin Lin, during the making of Fast X. This lead to Lin's departure (though he still retains a screenplay credit). Louis Leterrier of The Transporter fame stepped in. But, the end product feels more like the work of an AI program well-versed in the franchise struggling to weave a cohesive narrative.

Despite its faults, Fast X offers an entertaining ride, albeit one that may feel somewhat chaotic. The franchise's familiar faces reappear, with Charlize Theron returning as Cipher, a villain turned ally, uttering ominous lines of an impending war and destruction that could easily fit into the narrative of any past films.

The antagonist of the piece, Dante Reyes, portrayed by Jason Momoa, is introduced as the son of Fast Five's drug lord, Hernan Reyes. Momoa's interpretation of the character brings a certain eccentricity, highlighted by colorful outfits, peculiar habits, and flamboyant greetings. Dante fits well into the exaggerated world of Fast X.

The plot centers around the main characters being framed by Dante and attempting to track him down while evading the Agency. This is an organization they've previously worked for. With the ensemble divided into subgroups, each narrative thread resembles a distinct sub-genre, from comedy to gritty escape movie to spy drama, leading to a disconcerting oscillation of tones.

However, when Diesel graces the screen, a sense of stability is restored, thanks to his overpowering performance. Each line he delivers seems destined to be part of promotional material, and his somewhat CGI-like presence captivates the audience. Fast X may appear to diminish the value of movie stars, but it does elevate Diesel to a quasi-deity status. As the franchise is seemingly nearing its end, it portrays Diesel as larger than life and twice as commanding. Despite running on borrowed time, Fast X steadfastly maintains Diesel's grandeur.