Movie review: Fast and Furious

[marcicat]

For anyone keeping track of all the F&F films, this was number 4. I almost didn’t watch this one, after the first three, but it was in my Netflix queue, and so it showed up at the door, and I figured, why not?

And oh, what a good choice that was! The first inkling that #4 was not going to be like the first three: the previews were for Bring it On: part whatever, and Coraline. I was all, WTF? This is Fast and Furious! You know, with the swearing and the creepiness and the depressing messages about a life of crime, and the illegal street racing leading to horrible fiery death!

Only, it turns out, not so much. (Although the producers of the movie would like everyone to know that the action vehicle sequences shown in the film are dangerous — there was a special message and everything.)

Part 4 was like everyone involved in the movie said, “You know, those first three — they were so *serious* and stuff. Why can’t we just have fun?” I thought it was a lot lighter, what with everyone sorting out their differences, and being friends again. (Apologies to Letty — I almost didn’t watch the movie because she dies; but I’m glad I went for it.)

A few notes: The “big race” scene where they all drive through the underground tunnel? Totally boring. I assume there was a video game release at some point? That’s what it felt like. I also feel like if the movies are going to objectify women by having them all wear ridiculously skimpy clothing all the time, there should have been a lot more shirtless and barefoot men to balance it out.

If you squinted really hard, you could make this into a movie about figuring out what separates the good guys from the bad guys, which is pretty deep for a F&F movie (the first one didn’t even *have* a plot, as far as I know). Plus, it is totally adorable that Brian’s code is (apparently) “What would Dom think about this?”

Mirrored from The Marci Rating System.