Vin Diesel revs the engines once again in first ‘Fast X’ trailer
Jason Momoa debuts as the new villain in the first trailer for “Fast X,” which features returning stars Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and John Cena.
USA TODAY
Fans of the “Fast and Furious” franchise are sure to enjoy the latest model, “Fast X” — and that’s Fast 10, not X, in case you’re wondering. The title is in keeping with the rest of the franchise’s nonsensical naming scheme. You remember “The Fast and The Furious,” “2 Fast 2 Furious,” “The Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift,” and then just “Fast & Furious,” right?
All the usual elements are there in this iteration: Fast, sexy cars, sexy people, ridiculous stunts that “defy God and gravity” as one of the characters says, and of course the big F — family.
And the one thing noticeably absent, as unusual? A plot that makes any kind of sense. (But do we really care?)
What is ‘Fast X’ about?
The plot this time revolves around a new villain played to perfection by Jason Momoa. Dante, as he’s called, styles himself as a punisher for Vin Diesel’s Dominic.
By the way, been said, but saying it here anyway: Diesel has the perfect name for this franchise. Also, can someone had the guy a cough drop? Or some lemon-honey tea? It sounds like his vocal cords on the verge of being damaged with all that vocal fry.
Back to Dante. It’s revealed that his father was killed by the Fast crew a decade ago. We also discover that Dante is unhinged, having bounced from juvie to prison to psych-wards. He’s a psychopath, but one with je nais se quois.
Without spoiling too much, Dante goes after everything Dominic loves and cares for. Along the way, we have epic car chase scenes through Rome and São Paulo and in some small village in Portugal. There’s some hand-to-hand fighting as well. The best fight scene in the film, although not the best-choreographed fight I’ve ever seen, is between Charlize Theron’s Cipher and Michelle Rodriguez’s Letty.
‘Fast X’ cameos abound
There are other big names fans know and love like John Cena, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson and Brie Larson. Rita Moreno makes an appearance as Abuelita Toretto. And of course, the incomparable Dame Helen Mirren gets a scene as well.
Despite the star power, “Fast X” is just another stunt-fest with little substance. Even for this franchise, which has never been know for stunning dialogue, the writing felt weak.
The only redeeming quality is Momoa’s Dante. Momoa brings a streak of levity in an otherwise ponderous film that oozes masculine machismo and fossil fuels.
While evil, the Dante character brings a cavalier bravado and humor to the film. A villain who wears pastel silk blouses and pants? Sure. And he pants his nails in pretty Easter colors? Yes, please. Is he over the top and just ridiculous? Of course, but so is this whole movie.
Like Loki in the Thor movies or Moriarty in the BBC “Sherlock” series, Dante waltzes around with a devil-may-care bliss while relishing destruction and violence. And isn’t that what we all came to see?
‘Fast X’ 3.5 stars
Great ★★★★★ Good ★★★★
Fair ★★★ Bad ★★ Bomb ★
Director: Nicole Holofcener
Cast: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Momoa
Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, action, language, some suggestive material
How to watch: In theaters May 19
Contact Kaely Monahan at k[email protected]. Follow her on our podcasts Valley 101 and The Gaggle, and on Twitter @KaelyMonahan.