Movie Breakdown: F9: The Fast Saga
Pre-Screening Stance:
I unabashedly love this franchise and have been excited for F9: The Fast Saga from the moment it was announced. Side note, I’m really happy that director Justin Lin is back! He did Fast Five, my favorite film in the series.
Post-Screening Ramble:
If you’ve been following along, then you know this franchise has been particularly silly since Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) returned from the dead in the sixth entry, but F9 … well, it’s something else. It’s not quite in “jump the shark” territory, as I don’t think a series this comfortable in its own ridiculous skin can do such a thing, but it’s now so far out there that it might finally register as a bit much for some. For those that actually want the insanity further revved up though, prepare to have a blast because this entry – even more so than any other one – is all fan-service. This means the action is bigger and crazier and more bonkers than ever, the performances are more exaggerated than ever, the plot is both more convoluted and non-essential than ever, and of course, family is more important than ever. So, to be very clear here, if more, more, more and more is what you’re hoping to get out of F9, then it’s going to slap a big smile on your face. Now, you’ll likely forget 80% percent of it by the time you’re a quarter mile away from the theater, but for those 145 minutes that you’re in the movie, nothing else will matter.
F9: The Fast Saga is out in theaters this Friday, June 25.
Nine More Thoughts:
– Charlize Theron’s Cipher looks like a hot version of Simple Jack (from Tropic Thunder).
– John Cena has an emotive face that’s great for comedy, but he just looks really silly when he’s trying to be serious or angry.
– There’s a scene in this movie where Dominic Toretto legit Hulks-out and it’s hilarious.
– The constant use of powerful magnets makes for some wild, creative set pieces.
– Jordana Brewster over-acts in every scene she’s in, and I just assume it’s because she was happy to be back on the team.
– Han isn’t given a ton to do, which is a tad disappointing, but the post-credits stinger sets him up for something that could be cool.
– Roman’s ever-growing belief that he and the team may be invincible is weirdly endearing, and Tyrese Gibson does a great job selling it.
– Helen Mirren is in this for about two minutes and she’s so deviously charming and fun that it made me miss her for the rest of the movie.
– The wacky, grown up versions of three Tokyo Drift characters (the ones played by Lucas Black, Bow Wow and Jason Tobin) are generally funny but also a little sad because they’re clearly people who peaked in high school.
