Fast Five

I’m grading on a curve, but “Fast Five” is a spectacular sequel. It’s got exciting action and chase sequences, the stunts are impressive, the characters are likable and well developed (again, grading on a curve here) You can’t help but have a good time.

After rescuing Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) from his prison sentence, Brian (Paul Walker) and Mia (Jordana Brewster) join him in Rio de Janeiro. A confrontation with a ruthless drug lord (Joaquim de Almeida), prompts the trio to assemble a team and get even by stealing $100 million from him.

Finally, all of the pieces have begun coming together. Every major actor (save Lucas Black from “Tokyo Drift", which takes place after this film) is back. As Dom, Brian, and Mia (who takes somewhat of a backseat in the story) orchestrate the heist, they bring in Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Ludacris), Vince (Matt Schulze), Han (Sung Kang), Gisele (Gal Gadot), Leo (Tego Calderon) and Santos (Don Omar) and their unique talents together. “Fast Five” has the appeal of the best heist films. You'll salivate as every little obstacle is cleverly circumvented, even when the team's solution is simply “drive really fast".

This is a rewarding film. When things go awry, you know the characters and are invested. In the quieter moments, you feel like you’re back with your old friends as they crack jokes, talk about their future plans, and the guys constantly try to one-up each other. And then, we get Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs, a relentless agent determined to take the “family” down. “Fast Five” may not have a cerebral plot, but the dialogue given to Johnson crackles. He radiates personality and charisma. You can’t decide whether you want him to meet up with our protagonists, or if you want them to get away. He reminded me of Tommy Lee Jones in “The Fugitive”.

The film’s climax has to be one of the biggest, most exciting car chases I’ve ever seen. It just goes on and on! When you think director Justin Lin has run out of tricks, he’s just getting started. You could criticize the fact that this picture laughs so hard at the laws of physics it winds up on the floor. No, the film isn’t deep and yes, it is a bit too long, but consider the entertainment value! We have over 9 major characters (if you include Elsa Pataky as Rio police officer Elena Neves), all of which are distinct and compelling. You have awesome stunts and action sequences. The dialogue throughout is great! It’s funny, exciting and satisfies the fans. Usually, each sequel means diminishing returns. Not here.

If you have a significant other, or friend you don’t think will buy into the series, show them this one. They’ll gladly go back to the beginning with you. I am kicking myself for taking this long to see “Fast Five”. (Extended version on Blu-ray, April 9, 2017)