Jason KingFast and Furious 5 (8/10) Review by Nick Stanbrook
April 20th 2011 21:21
:
Faster and Definitely More Furious
Category: Reviews
I couldn't make another screening so had a small FB comp - you could go in my place if you wrote the Salty review as well 
. And WOW - youngster Nick won the tix and has written a review that has me scared - his review and writing is sensational - I better lift my game quick smart. So big thanks to Nick Stanbrook and welcome to Salty Popcorn - there could be a permanent position available if you keep that up.
Dominic Torreto (Vin Diesel) and his crew find themselves on the run from the law once again. After a daring prison break by Brian O'Connor (Paul Walker) and Mia (Jordana Brewster) they make their way to Rio where one last job could set them free for life. A crack team is assembled bringing back many favourites from throughout the Fast and the Furious franchise.
If you haven't seen any of the other Fast and Furious movies then I strongly advise that you go watch at least one before you see Fast and the Furious 5. There is not much back story included, and I'm sure it would leave a lot of people confused if they weren't up to scratch with their fast and furious history.
Justin Lin returns as director having directed the previous two fast and furious titles, as well as Chris Morgan and Gary Scott Thompson. Returning as writers. With their return they bring back the same feel and style that made the franchise so popular, but they also bring back some very horrible writing. The story itself is a classic cliched action story. The protagonists fighting against the local corrupt force while also being hunted down by another powerful foe. Although there are some cringe-worthy moments, of over dramatic pauses and ridiculous speeches, it does remain consistent and never takes itself too seriously. The plot is not entirely lost, some nice sub plots and side stories are woven in, saving the story from certain mediocrity.
When the classic team assembly montage rolls around we are greeted with some familiar faces. Roman (Tyrese Gibson) Tej (Ludacris) Han (Sung Kang) and a few others make their return. Most of the development and background is left out, these characters are already known, and their stories have already been told in the previous movies. This is a movie for fans of the franchise so no time is wasted in retelling. The acting is as good as the writing and characters allow. Vin diesel plays Dominic well, he isn't as wooden as most critics claim him to be. Tyrese Gibson really has some fun with Roman, the standout in terms of comedic relief. Paul Walker is still the same one look actor (JK note: although one damn fine looking one look that is). He does mix up the hard action with a couple of wise cracking lines. The standout for me was definitely Dwayne Johnson. I do have to admit that I have a big soft spot for the Rock. Firstly he is looking bigger then ever, his return to wrestling has definitely seen him pack on a whole heap of muscle. He manages to fill out the cocky hard ass bounty hunter Hobbs. Johnson really makes you think that Hobbs is a wanker. He doesn't make Hobbs's no nonsense attitude over the top and ridiculous, he brings to the character a sense that the power really has gone to his head.
The heist at the centre of the movie, is daring at first, but what entails is utterly ridiculous, It is one of the best action sequences I have seen in a while. Every time a new sequence came around I welled up with excitement, knowing that what would happen next would be incredible and unexpected.
The very action driven plot sees the focus shift from the cars to gunfire. But do not fear there are still plenty of beautiful looking cars. It seemed like a guilty pleasure, trying to fit the cars in, but it made sense, it wasn't just the director wanting some amazing car chase, it was also the characters indulging themselves. For all you rev heads you will definitely get your fix, and the fan-favourite NOS makes a brief appearance.
A noticeable aspect I did enjoy very much, was the sound. Now you would think that the sound designer would not have much to play with, except for explosions and revving engines. Yet it always remains interesting. The explosions are contrasted with sudden silence, and the bullet fire is felt with a heavy thud. Everything is loud but not overpowering, it matches the action perfectly, and just when you thought the coast was clear the gurgle of a powerful muscle-car is heard in the background, and the engines roar again.
I was worried when the movie started and that worry continued for the first 5 minutes. Initially the editing is quick and choppy. It cuts very rapidly between a courtroom to news broadcast to a high-speed chase and then to a slow driving scene. Once these couple of sequences were over it was fairly smooth from there on in. The pace dropped a little but maintained a quick and exciting ride.
Fast and Furious 5 or Fast 5 depending on where you're from, is a fun and fast ride. If you plan on taking this movie seriously then I'm sorry but you will be disappointed. A suspension of reality and specifically the laws of physics is necessary. Fast and The Furious 5 is filled with some of the best action sequences seen in a cinema this year. It takes everything we loved from the other Fast and Furious movies and it takes it to the next level, its definitely faster and more furious then ever before. 8/10
Bloody awesome Nick - thanks.
. And WOW - youngster Nick won the tix and has written a review that has me scared - his review and writing is sensational - I better lift my game quick smart. So big thanks to Nick Stanbrook and welcome to Salty Popcorn - there could be a permanent position available if you keep that up.
Dominic Torreto (Vin Diesel) and his crew find themselves on the run from the law once again. After a daring prison break by Brian O'Connor (Paul Walker) and Mia (Jordana Brewster) they make their way to Rio where one last job could set them free for life. A crack team is assembled bringing back many favourites from throughout the Fast and the Furious franchise.
If you haven't seen any of the other Fast and Furious movies then I strongly advise that you go watch at least one before you see Fast and the Furious 5. There is not much back story included, and I'm sure it would leave a lot of people confused if they weren't up to scratch with their fast and furious history.
Justin Lin returns as director having directed the previous two fast and furious titles, as well as Chris Morgan and Gary Scott Thompson. Returning as writers. With their return they bring back the same feel and style that made the franchise so popular, but they also bring back some very horrible writing. The story itself is a classic cliched action story. The protagonists fighting against the local corrupt force while also being hunted down by another powerful foe. Although there are some cringe-worthy moments, of over dramatic pauses and ridiculous speeches, it does remain consistent and never takes itself too seriously. The plot is not entirely lost, some nice sub plots and side stories are woven in, saving the story from certain mediocrity.
When the classic team assembly montage rolls around we are greeted with some familiar faces. Roman (Tyrese Gibson) Tej (Ludacris) Han (Sung Kang) and a few others make their return. Most of the development and background is left out, these characters are already known, and their stories have already been told in the previous movies. This is a movie for fans of the franchise so no time is wasted in retelling. The acting is as good as the writing and characters allow. Vin diesel plays Dominic well, he isn't as wooden as most critics claim him to be. Tyrese Gibson really has some fun with Roman, the standout in terms of comedic relief. Paul Walker is still the same one look actor (JK note: although one damn fine looking one look that is
). He does mix up the hard action with a couple of wise cracking lines. The standout for me was definitely Dwayne Johnson. I do have to admit that I have a big soft spot for the Rock. Firstly he is looking bigger then ever, his return to wrestling has definitely seen him pack on a whole heap of muscle. He manages to fill out the cocky hard ass bounty hunter Hobbs. Johnson really makes you think that Hobbs is a wanker. He doesn't make Hobbs's no nonsense attitude over the top and ridiculous, he brings to the character a sense that the power really has gone to his head.
The heist at the centre of the movie, is daring at first, but what entails is utterly ridiculous, It is one of the best action sequences I have seen in a while. Every time a new sequence came around I welled up with excitement, knowing that what would happen next would be incredible and unexpected.
The very action driven plot sees the focus shift from the cars to gunfire. But do not fear there are still plenty of beautiful looking cars. It seemed like a guilty pleasure, trying to fit the cars in, but it made sense, it wasn't just the director wanting some amazing car chase, it was also the characters indulging themselves. For all you rev heads you will definitely get your fix, and the fan-favourite NOS makes a brief appearance.
A noticeable aspect I did enjoy very much, was the sound. Now you would think that the sound designer would not have much to play with, except for explosions and revving engines. Yet it always remains interesting. The explosions are contrasted with sudden silence, and the bullet fire is felt with a heavy thud. Everything is loud but not overpowering, it matches the action perfectly, and just when you thought the coast was clear the gurgle of a powerful muscle-car is heard in the background, and the engines roar again.
I was worried when the movie started and that worry continued for the first 5 minutes. Initially the editing is quick and choppy. It cuts very rapidly between a courtroom to news broadcast to a high-speed chase and then to a slow driving scene. Once these couple of sequences were over it was fairly smooth from there on in. The pace dropped a little but maintained a quick and exciting ride.
Fast and Furious 5 or Fast 5 depending on where you're from, is a fun and fast ride. If you plan on taking this movie seriously then I'm sorry but you will be disappointed. A suspension of reality and specifically the laws of physics is necessary. Fast and The Furious 5 is filled with some of the best action sequences seen in a cinema this year. It takes everything we loved from the other Fast and Furious movies and it takes it to the next level, its definitely faster and more furious then ever before. 8/10
Bloody awesome Nick - thanks
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