Dog’s Movie House: “Fast X” Is Ridiculously Entertaining, Emphasis On “Ridiculous!”

I have a soft spot for these movies, especially since they decided to ditch the “real” aeshetic of street racing to become something more akin to “Oceans Eleven” on steroids. The main thing is this: if you can turn off your brain in terms of logic and physics then these films are a hoot and “Fast X” is no exception. Well directed by Louis Leterrier (“The Transporter”) “Fast X” sails by in spite of an over two hour run-time. There are action set pieces galore, each one crazier than the next, including a chase through the streets of Rome involving a circular bomb that makes the boulder in “Raiders Of The Lost Ark” look weak. {hysics, of course, don’t really matter in this film, especially when it comes to Dom and whatever car he’s driving. His vintage Dodge Challenger has the most durable suspension I’ve ever seen, able to survive drops from airplanes, multiple crashes, dueling helicopters, and even a drive down an exploding dam. I want that car at my next safety meeting. Everything is well choreographed and the effects are fairly seemless, but the over-the-top nature of some of these stunts is bound to produce an eye-roll or two.

That said, there is a lot to recommend about “Fast X.” Nearly everyone returns in some capacity, including characters long thought perished. (Apparently the characters are as durable as the cars in these movies.) Newcomers Brie Larson, Alan Ritchson, and the legendary Rita Moreno bring enough to the table to get you pumped to see them in the next movie. Ritchson (“Reacher”) especially looks like he belongs with his huge physique and tough-guy mannerisms. He also plays an important part in the story, so I’m definitely looking foward to seeing more of him. The returning cast does good work as usual, with John Cena, Michelle Rodriguez, and Charlize Theron being the standouts. Diesel is his usually growly, monosylballic self, and if he says a variation of “It’s all about family” one more time I’m going to throw something at the screen.

The real MVP here is Momoa as Dante. The cat does a great job of walking that thin line of intimidating and funny, sometimes in the same scene. His unhinged performance gives us the best villain in the whole series, which is saying something after over twenty years. Dude rocks a man-bun, fingernail polish and various silk shirts and still manages to be intimidating. His Dante brings a level of unpredictability to the proceedings and the movie is better for it. The rest is standard “Fast And The Furious” fare. If you like the over-the-top action stuff, this will be right up your alley. If not. . .well if you don’t know what you’re getting into after ten movies then there’s not a whole lot I can do for you. “Fast X” is an over-the-top experience that is elevated only by the presence of Jason Momoa. 3 1/2 Out Of 5 On Kenodg’s Barkometer! So Sayeth The Kendog!

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