Directed By: Justin Lin
Directing – 6
Lin has shown over the years that he is a pretty competent director. He still shows it with this film. The film’s direction is pretty solid. However, it did not need to be as long as it was. The movie is almost 2 and a half hours long. It only needed to be around 2 hours. There was a good amount of flashback scenes, maybe cutting those down could have been better. Also, a lot of the film at times gets pretty unbelievable pretty near laughable. The film does tend to have many moments of comedy that are pretty unnecessary. Also, some of the heart-felt moments don’t always land. They are pretty much the same in every movie.
Cinematography – 8
The cinematography is actually pretty good. It does have some cliched Fast and Furious camera work. However, the lighting for many scenes is done really well.
Score – 7
The score is also alright. It’s the usual with Fast and Furious films. Good enough, sometimes a little much, or unnecessary at times.
Story – 4
The story follows Dominic Toretto and his crew as they are forced back into the dangerous life when his brother comes into the picture causing chaos. Each fast and furious film tries to out due the next with jaw-dropping action. However, believability gets thrown into the trash. Some of the things that occur in this film are pretty insane. Like, it basically has become a superhero, science fiction, and fantasy franchise. This franchise, at first, was just about cars. Now it has gotten to a point where cars are there, and they are cool, but going above and beyond seems to be the focal point. Also, the plot is pretty cliched. Dom is away from the dangerous life something brings him back in, he’s about family, and yeah. We’ve seen this movie play out many times.
Acting – 8
The acting isn’t bad, everyone does a solid job. However, that isn’t exactly the focal point when it comes to the Fast Franchise.
Post-Production – 7
The editing is done pretty well. The effects, for the most part, are nice. But they do look, at times, like effects.
Entertainment – 7
Was this movie entertaining? Oh yeah. I think Entertainment value isn’t the problem with this franchise. It’s pretty much everything else. They are fun films to watch. But overall this film is whatever. I can’t say this movie is good. Because, well it isn’t particularly good. But fun to watch. The believability factor does get a little tested and it is pretty clear that it’s just trying to be a popcorn flick, nothing else. Yes, I know all these movies are basically popcorn flicks, but it could at times try to be better and more than that if they try a little more. Also, the movie is way too long, this did not need to be that long. about a half an hour shorter would have been better.
Final Rating
6.4/10 – Fun, yet mediocre film.
