Fast & Furious (2009) Movie Review

Synopsis:

Former ex-con Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) finds himself back in Los Angeles, feuding with FBI agent Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker). Both men must learn to put their differences aside to take down renowned drug trafficker Arturo Braga (John Ortiz).

Review:

Director Justin Lin’s Fast and Furious is a direct continuation of The Fast and the Furious (2001)’s events.

Justin Lin directs his focus back to Dominic Toretto and Brian O’Conner. This allows him to bring a familiar storytelling approach.

Fast & Furious starts with a high-octane heist. This involves Dom and his partner, Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez).

This action sequence is well done, providing a tense scenario, and moves at a brisk pace.

This film’s other action sequences involve a variety of car chases and races. It also includes the occasional gunfight.

Justin Lin approaches each one with steady movement so as not to disorient the viewer.

There are also other sequences, such as brief physical altercations and gunfights.

These provide a weighty sense of impact, yet could have had a steadier editing approach.

This fast-paced editing style is also evident during a chase sequence with Paul Walker’s Brian O’Conner.

In most instances, using a fast-paced editing style for on-foot chases highlights the urgency of the situation.

In Fast and Furious, though, the camera cuts every three seconds or so. As a result, it loses the focus of the actors involved.

Fast & Furious brings Mia Toretto, Dom’s sister (Jordana Brewster), back into the series.

As a whole, Jordana isn't focused much during this film. This is aside from her brief interactions with Brian and Dom throughout the film.

Other additions to this film include John Ortiz as Arturo Braga and Laz Alonso as Fenix Calderon.

These two are the antagonists of the film, with Ortiz’s Braga being the primary focus.

It is clear Ortiz enjoys portraying this character, even if he doesn’t have much screen presence.

Laz Alonso is more consistent in his portrayal of Fenix. With Laz's performance, he brings an occasional menace to his character.

His character also has more of a purpose when compared to Braga. For context, he gets involved in a secondary storyline with Dom’s partner, Letty.

Audiences believe that Fenix was responsible for Letty’s supposed death.

This gives Dom a motive to end Fenix, which is satisfying when he achieves this mission.

Despite this, it is a storyline that should have received more attention.

Fast and Furious also contains many pop songs and includes an original score by Brian Tyler.

These are all above average, being well-used during the action. Despite this, most of it is not distinct enough to stand out.

This film’s visual style, though, is more consistent, giving each location a sense of purpose.

Conclusion:

To conclude, Fast & Furious (2009) is a decent follow-up to The Fast and the Furious (2001).

Its action sequences, despite the occasional camera work, are impactful and well-shot.

Also, this film’s visuals are good, focusing on location shots.

Fast & Furious's story has got good momentum from the outset. This is despite the film's simplistic dialogue approach.

Despite this, the film’s characters have enough purpose to negate some of these flaws.

Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto and Paul Walker’s Brian O’Connor are a good match. Also, both actors give above-average performances.

Fast and Furious’s antagonists are less consistent. John Ortiz’s Arturo Braga, for example, doesn’t have a commanding screen presence.

As an antagonist, Fenix Calderon has more agency than Ortiz’s character. It also helps that Laz Alonso's performance in the film is good.

This film’s soundtrack by Brian Tyler offers some moments of note during action sequences.

Even though these are welcome, the score doesn’t have forward momentum, which may be a flaw for some.

Fast & Furious (2009) is at its most entertaining during the action sequences. It is also good at showcasing its visuals.

Its main issues are with the soundtrack and its simplistic story approach.

Regardless, the film should entertain most Fast & Furious fans.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 6.5/10

Story - 6/10

Action - 7/10

Visuals - 7/10

Soundtrack - 6/10

Overall score: 6.5 out of 10