The Fast and the Furious (2001). Cert 15.

Director - Rob Cohen.

Writer - Ken Li.

Starring - Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriquez & Delroy Lin

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Before seeing this film may I suggest that you print of this checklist and complete it before entering the cinema.

Mobile Phone Off.
Ticket Purchased.
Popcorn Buttered.
Cola Iced.
Brain off.

With these simple steps completed you will enjoy the film a whole lot more.

Let's face it TFATF is no contender for Best Film at next years Oscars. If you go in looking for a high brow European art film, prepare to be disappointed. If on the other hand it's your day off work and you need to be entertained for a couple of hours then you will be in good hands.

TFATF tells the story of a young up and coming cop who is working undercover to bust a team of truck-jackers. The jackers in question use highly tuned Japanese sports cars to carry out the score. Essentially it's Point Break on wheels.

As you would expect from this kind of popcorn flick everything looks great. The actors are young and attractive, the cars are fast and shiny and the soundtrack is a mixture of dance and Nu-Metal.

On the acting front we have Vin Diesel, for my money one to watch. He builds on his performances in 'Saving Private Ryan', 'Pitch Black' and 'Boiler Room' to show signs that he could become a force to be reckoned with at the box office. The action hero chair has been empty for a while and he could easily step up to the plate. Elsewhere the cast is much of a much with only Michelle Rodriguez (Girl fight) really standing out. I did think though, that the guy who played the car geek did an excellent Giovanni Ribisi impression.

Some nice touches during the car chases such as cameras following sparks through engines and going through cars (you have to see it, it's hard to explain).

For a summer action movie though it takes a while to get anywhere. One car race in the first 45 minutes is as hectic as it gets, but an excellent taught daylight truck-jack later on makes up for the slow pace of the first half.

At the end of the day, The Fast and the Furious is popcorn fodder, nothing more, nothing less.

 

6/10 for The Fast And The Furious.

Poster Quote - Calm down, it's not that bad.