Fast X 2023 Movie Review: Lot Better Than Fast 9 and Also Highly Entertaining

Fast X 2023 Movie Review

Director: Louis Leterrier

Cast: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, John Cena, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Scott Eastwood, Daniela Melchior, Alan Ritchson, Helen Mirren, Brie Larson, Rita Moreno, Jason Statham, Jason Momoa, and Charlize Theron

Cinematography: Stephen F. Windon

Music: Brian Tyler

Editor: Dylan Highsmith, Kelly Matsumoto, Laura Yanovich, and Corbin Mehl

Synopsis

Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto and his family have outsmarted and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they must confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced.

Fueled by revenge, a terrifying threat emerges from the shadows of the past to shatter Dom’s world and destroy everything — and everyone — he loves.

Fast X 2023 Movie Review

At this point in the franchise, you know exactly what you’re getting with a new Fast and Furious film. A previous film will be retconned in some way to make it even more hilariously convoluted, the family will get even larger, and the whole thing will act like the biggest flop movie currently going.

Judged against the other F&F films though, Fast X improves quite a bit over F9, fixing a fair few problems with a superior antagonist and a tighter run time. Even though it struggles to give all of its characters something to do it remains a great blockbuster that’s unashamedly silly, loads of fun, and gets the franchise into its endgame in a satisfying fashion.

Vin Diesel gets to show a lighter side to Dom early on that’s really sweet before returning to the usual overly serious presence that still works. John Cena is way better here, finally allowed to play to his comedic strengths and his adventure with Leo. Perry is the most enjoyable subplot of the movie.

Also Read: Guy Ritchie The Covenant 2023 Movie Review

The standout performance is easily Jason Momoa. He’s by far one of the best villains of the whole franchise and possibly the best. So flamboyant, playful, and clearly having an absolute blast. Really leaning into the insanity of his character and giving the Fast franchise its equivalent of the Joker.

Louis Leterrier is really good, he keeps the multiple subplots moving along nicely and overall brings mobility to the film that avoids it feeling overly familiar or stale. There’s also a nice Transporter 2 reference that proves he was inspired to choose to make one of these as it fits in perfectly with their over-the-top nature.

The CG looks really cartoonish once again and just like last time it kinda works in its favor and makes every set piece even funnier in its absurdity. The music by Brian Tyler carries over everything that was created in the previous score as well as brings back the themes that were sorely missed in that one