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The Fast and the Furious |
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Rating: Good
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Release Date: June 22nd, 2001 (wide)
Running Length: 1 hour, 45 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Drama, Car Racing
Director: Rob Cohen
Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Rick Yune, Chad Lindberg, Matt Schulze, and Ja Rule. |
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Plot: An undercover cop, Brian (Paul Walker) investigates the world of street racers to discover who is hijacking trucks. The criminals he is looking for are a group of highly skilled drivers, and Brian's superiors believe they might be part of Dominic Toretto's (Vin Diesel) gang of street racers. However, Brian becomes enchanted by the Toretto and his group of wild thugs and lost souls. He becomes attracted to Toretto's sister (Jordana Brewster), and loses his control. His superiors want an arrest soon however, because the truckers plan to take justice into their own hands. |
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picture above from www.thefastandthefurious.com |
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Critique: The Fast and the Furious is exciting and enjoyable trash. Indeed, it is surprising how entertaining the film is when one considers how unintelligent it is. Certainly, as formulaic films go this one is a head and shoulders above the rest. The execution of the film is very strong, and director Rob Cohen is able to conjure up a solid amount of adrenaline producing sequences. The storyline is engaging, and the screenplay is sufficient. Although the material is not inspiring, the film's plot points and conflicts are well balanced and well organized. The Fast and the Furious is the ultimate guilty pleasure. On the surface it seems like it should not have nothing to offer. However, it is a very effective popcorn film that thrills and dazzles. The film finds a way to succeed by understanding the purpose of the popcorn flick. It is clear in its destination; it never becomes muddled like so many other forgettable action pictures.
Vin Diesel is one of the main reasons this film works so well. Vin Diesel is a fairly talented action star, and he possesses a commanding screen presence. Diesel also starred in Pitch Black, an equally entertaining popcorn flick that was surprising in its artistic composition. Diesel is not a great actor, but he strengthens the film with his screen presence. Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez are the other central characters, and none are particularly amazing. Yet, none deliver terrible performances. Paul Walker is acceptable at the lead, and his performance is above average. I would say the same from Brewster, but Rodriguez has more depth as an actress. She was strong in an otherwise dissonant indepedent picture, Girlfight.
In conclusion I highly recommend The Fast and the Furious if you are looking for an entertaining popcorn film.
review by supernothingman
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