The Fast & Furious Franchise
The Fast & The Furious Franchise
(2001-2015)
A Retrospective & Review by Grant Kanigan
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| Vin Diesel & Paul Walker cross the finish line in The Fast and the Furious |
The Fast & the Furious, (2001)
Directed by: Rob Cohen
Written by: Gary Scott Thompson, Erik Bergquist & David Ayer, based on Ken Li's Racer X.
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez & Jordana Brewster
Based upon a magazine article about underground racing by author Ken Li, the first film in the Fast franchise also has the honour of being the best in the series, simply by spawning the franchise. While it doesn't have the ensemble cast that has made the later films so entertaining, it's the only film in the franchise that is firmly rooted in reality. When someone's shot, they die; when a car crashes, the driver is seriously wounded, when characters are in danger, we fear for their well being. Director Rob Cohen, mostly know for action movie schtick that usually ends up being more boring than exciting, (see The Skulls, Daylight, Dragonheart), is in rare form, injecting visuals and quick editing into an already supercharged script. David Ayer, the writer/director of the visceral, engaging and intelligent films End of Watch and Fury, shows glimpses of his future brilliance with his work on Furious' script. Finally, fresh off of brilliant turns in Saving Private Ryan, The Iron Giant and the underrated Boiler Room, Diesel was, at this point, (aside from the b-movie masterpiece Pitch Black), known for his vulnerable character work, as tough guys who can't catch a break. The Fast films changed everything. As Toretto, Diesel was able to inject enough humanity to let an audience sympathize with a misunderstood criminal. Ultimately, like a modern day Atlas, the world of racing rests comfortably on Diesel's shoulders.
Grant's Rating 4/5 Stars
2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
Directed by: John Singleton
Written by: Gary Scott Thompson, Michael Brandt & Derek Haas.
Starring: Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Eva Mendes & Cole Hauser
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| Tyrese Gibson & Paul Walker in 2 Fast 2 Furious |
In a franchise that has now prided itself on it's varied selection of shooting locations, twisted writing, and funny dialouge, 2 Fast 2 Furious is the exception to the rule. The antithesis to the fun that's been infused within the Fast films, the only saving grace of this woeful sequel is the addition of Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson. Ludacris, in a small role, showcases character, uniqueness and a dependability that helped him return to the franchise, years later. Gibson, the only entertaining part of the film, is hilarious as the happy-go-lucky, mile a minute Roman Pearce, and utters the only memorable line of the movie, which was likely improvised, ("ejecto seato cuz!"). With a script completely void of sense, a boring, useless villain played by the underwhelming Cole Hauser, and limited direction, 2 Fast is an annoying, boring mess. As well, the sense of empathy is lost; when fellow racers are crushed by a truck, instead of trying to help, or have any type of real emotion, the main characters' only reactions are gleeful laughter; it makes them look like psychopaths. John Singleton, director of one of the best films of the 1990's and an undeniable classic, Boyz n the Hood, is completely out of his element here. With wooden characters, (save for Gibson and Bridges), crass situations, and a lack of talent or care behind the camera, 2 Fast 2 Furious is undoubtedly the worst film in the franchise.
Grant's Rating: 1/5 Stars
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
Directed by: Justin Lin
Written by: Chris Morgan
When you have two successful films, and want to continue a franchise in the vein of said films, what's your best option? Moving countries, scrapping the previous characters and setting the film years away from the previous sequels? Changing the nature of the type of racing that made the first films so popular? Hire two inexperienced and arguably terrible actors? If you answered 'yes' to all of the above, congratulations, you're an idiot. Whoever was behind the decisions of such a drastic change, was completely off base here, and with a terrible response from critics as well as a paying audience, so was the finished product. However, as a cinematic exercise, it's not completely worthless. Sung Kang, as Han, is charismatic and interesting here, and the film does make a worthy effort of investing itself in a story and the culture of drift racing in Japan. With a tighter script and better actors, ("Bow Wow" should have stuck to pre-teen rap, and I don't care what anyone else says, Lucas Black is the worst actor of his generation), Tokyo Drift could have been a memorable detour. Alas, it becomes the worst thing a film about racing could be: boring.
Grant's Rating: 2/5 Stars
Fast & Furious (2009)
Directed by: Justin Lin
Written by: Chris Morgan, based on characters created by Gary Scott Thompson
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez & John Ortiz
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| Michelle Rodriguez & Vin Diesel show off their triceps in Fast & Furious |
"Give them bread and circuses," ancient Roman poet Juvenal said; "and they will never revolt." Justin Lin's Fast & Furious does just that. In an effort to appeal to both critics and the wallets of audiences, the powers that be behind the Fast franchise brought back the original cast in hopes of rekindling the fire that the original film had started. Thankfully, it worked. Breaking box office records, and making the most out of any film in the franchise up until 4, the re-entry into Toretto's world was a hit for audiences worldwide. The return to racing, the camaraderie between Diesel and Walker, and visceral chase scenes, (the opening scenes of Fast & Furious remain some of the best choreographed action sequences in recent history), make this an entertaining and enjoyable film. However, that doesn't mean it isn't without it's problems. Most of the film takes place at night, or in below ground tunnels, making most of the action hard to see; the tunnel sequences are also mostly CGI, an obvious tool that is often used to the detriment of the action. Using CGI in film is akin to using a 555 number; it's obviously fake, and it takes audiences right out of the film.
Overall, there are a multitude of problems with Fast and Furious, but it was a huge step in the right direction. Bringing back the original cast, focusing on what made the original so enjoyable, and building a foundation for future films was essential in starting a new era of Fast & Furious films.
Grant's Rating: 3/5 Stars
Fast Five (2011)
Directed by: Justin Lin
Written by: Chris Morgan, based on characters created by Gary Scott Thompson
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Tyrese Gibson
Fast Five is the film that moved the Fast franchise from enjoyable escapism, to next level blockbuster. Listening to the critics, director Lin delivered a far more visceral, action packed, real-stunt experience with virtuosic flair. The cinematography is crisp, the action taut, and the storyline logical, as well as straightforward. As well, the few saving graces 2 Fast return with great results. Bridges is believable as a technologically minded tinkerer, and Gibson is absolutely hilarious as Roman, a lifelong sufferer of foot-in-mouth disease. Kang, returning as Han, is finally given some character development, and is able to smooth out a well-defined character with goals and motivations. Dwayne Johnson, gleefully aware of the rising ridiculousness of the franchise, literally and figuratively gleams with unabashed devotion to a script that is anything but believable. And it's that notion that makes the latest films so enjoyable. They ride the thin line between earnestness and satire - of course Walker and Brewster can't survive a three story drop, of course two cars can't pull a ten tonne safe, and if the Rock really fought Diesel, it'd be a quick no contest. But the team behind Fast is keenly aware, and whenever physics get in the way, the explosive glee of the franchise steps in to take care of the entertainment value. Overall, with a growing cast that adds character and depth to a franchise in dire need of such things, a willingness to skewer itself, and brilliant work behind the camera, Fast Five is grand entertainment.
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| Paul Walker & Vin Diesel out for a Sunday drive in Fast Five |
Grant's Rating: 4/5 Stars
Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
Directed by: Justin Lin
Written by: Chris Morgan, based on characters created by Gary Scott Thompson
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez, Luke Evans
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| Tyrese Gibson takes a leap of faith in Fast & Furious 6 |
With Fast Five, Lin and Co. made the franchise bigger and badder, and it was always going to be hard to top. With the sixth instalment, the franchise had to prove that the fifth wasn't just an anomaly - and prove it they did. With stunts that increase the insanity exponentially, lines that skewer the very core of the archetypes each actor employs, ("better hide that bigass forehead" is still one of the funniest and most unexpected lines I've ever heard), and swift direction, (the two-hour plus running time breezes by), the sixth film in the series proved that the talents in front and behind of the camera weren't just a one trick pony. Additionally, with an ending that made audiences feel the loss of now beloved characters, gave us something to think about, and wanting more. As the last film in the series completed with the entire cast, number 6 was a rollicking thrill ride that seemed impossible to top. After the tragic death of Paul Walker, (the "secret philanthropist") in 2013, making Furious 7 seemed to turn from impossible to unthinkable.
Grant's Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Furious 7 (2015)
Directed by: James Wan
Written by: Chris Morgan, based on characters created by Gary Scott Thompson
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez, Kurt Russell, Jason Statham, Luke Evans
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| Vin Diesel & Jason Statham go head to head in Furious 7 |
Without the added heft of Walker's death, the film was already a winning continuation. With practical effects that involved throwing cars out of an airplane thousands of feet in the air, crashing two cars head on, and a plethora of other unbelievably creative vehicular stunts, this is by far the most fun of the Furious franchise. As well, the supporting cast grows, including some showcase moves by the brilliant Tony Jaa, (famed Thailand martial artist), and the wonderfully talented Ronda Rousey, (former Olympian, UFC Champ, wrestler, and author). Kurt Russell, as the shady government agent, "Mr. Nobody" is devilish, hilarious, and violent when necessary. As the villians of the film, both Jason Statham, and the vastly underrated Djimon Hounsou are excellent, and serve their roles well in their limited screen time.
Not only is the cast large this time around, the film takes moments to reflect on what brought it here. A scene near the beginning revisits supporting characters from the first film, (Noel Gugliemi's character Hector), and the third, (Lucas Black and Shad Moss), suggesting that this film neatly ties up the entire franchise.
The cinematography, much like the 5th and 6th films, is excellent. Under the direction of Wan, (Lin was tied up editing the 6th instalment when Furious 7 began production), there are some creative shots of fight scenes, and some of the mind-blowing stunts.
Not only is the film chock full of brilliant stunt work, exciting moments, and visually dazzling shots, the script takes moments to give the film some dramatic weight. A scene between Brian,(Walker), and his onscreen wife Mia, (Jordana Brewster), saying their goodbyes is shatteringly poignant, and the final onscreen tribute to Paul Walker, (with a loving voiceover by Vin Diesel), is tasteful, impactful and emotional. In a series where plot, physics and cohesion have barely mattered, (and for what it's worth, Furious 7's plot doesn't make much sense either, that's why I haven't mentioned it), it's touching to see such time devoted to an actor that made the series so memorable, and doing so makes 7 stand above the previous 6 films. It's also worth mentioning that the work done by the CGI department and Walker's brother's as stand-in's is a technological feat, and works beautifully.
All in all, 7 is the best film of the franchise, and for that feat alone, is worth writing about. Yet, it's gleeful abandon of believability, emphasis on the importance of family, strong cast and stunt-work that is absolutely groundbreaking, make it a film that's likely to have lasting impact. It's tough to tell where the franchise will go from here; without Paul Walker, it's missing a significant portion of its foundation. Yet, as Walker's devotion to the franchise showed, pure escapist cinema can still be fun, and occasionally meaningful. Let's hope that part of his legacy lives on; here's hoping for another seven.
Grant's Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Furious 7 clip: "Hook 'Em Up"
A Tribute to Paul Walker: "See You Again" - Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth
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