Fast 5 Review (2011)
Summary: Vin Diesel and Paul walker return for the most thrilling action-packed film yet in the billion dollar franchise. In the latest chapter, former cop Brian (Walker) joins ex-con Dom (Diesel) on the other side of the law as the two former rivals become fugitives on the run.
Year: 2011
Australian Cinema Release Date: 20th April, 2011
Australian DVD Release Date: 24th August, 2011
Country: USA
Director: Justin Lin
Screenwriter: Chris Morgan, Gary Scott Thompson (characters)
Cast: Alimi Ballard (Fusco), Jordana Brewster (Mia Toretto), Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges (Tej Parker), Tego Calderon (Tego Leo), Fernando Chien (Wilkes), Yorgo Constantine (Chato), Esteban Cueto (Berto), Luis Da Silva Jnr. (Diogo), Joaquim de Almedia (Hernan Reyes), Vin Diesel (Dominic Toretto), Corey Michael Eubanks (Lanzo), Gal Gadot (Gisele Harabo), Tyrese Gibson (Roman Pearce), Mark Hicks (Capa), Michael Irby (Zizi), Dwayne Johnson (Luke Hobbs), Sung Kang (Han Lue), Geoff Meed (Macroy), Joseph Melendez (Chief of Police Alemeida), Eva Mendes (Monica Fuentes), Don Omar (Rico Santos), Jeirmarie Osorio (Rosa), Elsa Pataky (Elena Neves), Michelle Rodriguez (Letty), Matt Schulze (Vince), Richard Tavernaro (Officer Castro)
Runtime: 130 mins
Classification:M
SUBCULTURE MEDIA/THE GOOD THE BAD THE UGLY FILM SHOW REVIEWS/RATINGS OF ‘FAST & FURIOUS 5’:
David Griffiths:
How many series of films can boast the fact that they are still going strong after 5 movies… maybe only the Harry Potter series when you really think about it, but while films such as Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift may have been lowlights in the series (not awful just lowlights) Fast & Furious 5 sees this series again rise to the top of its class… this is truly one of the finest action movies to ever reach the big screen.
After a prison break-out Dom (Vin Diesel – Los Bandoleros, Fast & Furious), Mia (Jordana Brewster – TV’S Gigantic, Dark Blue) and Brian (Paul Walker – Takers, Fast & Fuirous) are again on the run from the law. This time they are in Rio where they learn that the line between the law and the crims isn’t as black and white as it should be. Despite the fact that the have a determined Marshall, Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson – Faster, You Again) on their tail they decide to team up with some old friends and pull off a heist that will help support them for the rest of their lives.
Many believe that director, Justin Lin (TV’S Community, Fast & Furious) brought disgrace to this series with Tokyo Drift but he certainly redeems himself here. Fast & Furious 5 is porn for those who love no-stop action, and it seems somewhere along the way Lin has learnt how to deliver action in the bucket-loads. Whether it be a rooftop chase over the slums of Rio or a car chase that seems to have lifted the bar for all Hollywood car chases Lin knows how to keep his audience entertained and on the edge of their seat.
Lin also doesn’t fall into the trap of completely wiping out characterization from an action movie. Yes, Dwayne Johnson’s role seems pretty much a cardboard cut-out but Lin does make some attempt at furthering the characters of Dom, Mia and Paul. Although I must admit one of the highlights of the film is its action especially the car chase and the fight between Dom and Luke… hasn’t everyone at sometime wondered who would win a fight between Vin Diesel and The Rock?
As far as action films go Fast & Furious 5 is a stunner. If you see it on the big screen be prepared to be blown away by a film that puts every dollar of its budget to great use… and stick around for the little bit extra that you see during the credits, no fan of this series will want to miss it.
(out of 5)
Trailer: