Though it has been five years, the entire original cast is back together at last, and this time, things aren't quite as cut and dry as they used to be. Brian O'Connor, back in the force, is hot on the trail of one of the largest drug importers in the country. But in order to get in his good graces, he will have to join teams with Dom Toretto, a fugitive ex-con whom he intentionally let escape years before. Together, the men will have to discover a new level of trust; one that allows their driving to do the real talking.
Starting with a bang, Fast & Furious opens up with a fast paced car heist that reintroduces the long gone Dom, and his gang of thieves. Involving three highly trained drivers, one unknowing cross-country lugger and a whole lot of gas, the job, which lasts a good fifteen minutes, reminds viewers of the original, giving a much needed refresher of our good-bad guy and his devilish ways.
But in that same regard, I was astonished at how little of the film was devoted to the cars and the fast paced life of racing. Sure there were short segments that helped give your body an adrenaline rush, but compared to the other film's in the series, this one just didn't have that kind of story. But to be quite frank, it is a good thing.
Instead, the movie focuses in on the act of revenge. Fresh off the news that one of his own has been murdered in cold-blood, Dom seeks out to find the perpetrator. And while his moves have to be made with absolute caution, he soon finds himself blinded by the longing for personal justice, acting on impulse rather than intelligence. But with both drivers in search of the same man, the obvious takes center stage as they stake out their prey, awaiting for the right time to strike.
If I have my films correctly, I believe that this one sits third in line in terms of chronological order. One of the opening scenes reveals a cameo by a participant in Tokyo Drift, prompting me to place this as a prequel to that unneeded adventure.
Regardless, the film is surprisingly strong; especially when compared to those before it. Complete with the murder of a principle player, the typical fast car segments and a tunnel that connects US and Mexico soil, Fast & Furious easily rejuvenates the once dying franchise. And while I still wonder how much longer this good villain/bad cop routine will entertain, I can't deny that this one gives the audience an over-the-top, yet highly enjoyable thrill ride; without the danger of a sudden crash!
