Fans of the Fast and Furious franchise can rejoice, as one of the most explosive instalments in the series is all set to hit our TVs tonight (Saturday).
The tenth main installment of the beloved franchise, Fast X (also called Fast & Furious 10), was directed by Louis Leterrier. The 2023 action drama has a screenplay penned by Dan Mazeau and Justin Lin.
The pair also co-wrote the story with Zach Dean. After principal photography for the film commenced in April 2022, Justin, who was initially the director of the film, parted ways with the project citing ‘creative differences’ later that month. He ended up retaining his writing and producing credits, and Leterrier was brought on as the new director a week later.
A rousing sequel to 2021’s F9, the tenth main instalment brings back Vin Diesel as the franchise’s lead, Dominic Toretto.
Diesel is joined by Jason Momoa (the Fast & Furious franchise’s newest villain), alongside Charlize Theron, Helen Mirren, Brie Larson, Jason Statham, John Cena, Ludacris, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Scott Eastwood, Daniela Melchior, Alan Ritchson, and Rita Moreno.
The film’s official summary reads: “Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto and his family have outsmarted, out-nerved and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced: A terrifying threat emerging from the shadows of the past who’s fueled by blood revenge, and who is determined to shatter this family and destroy everything — and everyone — that Dom loves, forever.”
Fast X grossed a staggering $714million at the global box office — making it the fifth highest-grossing movie of 2023 — against a mammoth net production budget of approximately $379m. The franchise’s last and final main instalment is reportedly in the works, with a theatrical release scheduled for April 2027 as of now.
With an 84 per cent audience score on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, Fast X was well-loved by fans, with one writing: “I love the movie, for me it was perfect, well done.”
Another glowing audience review of the film states: “Fast X amps up the action with over-the-top stunts, fast cars, and explosive showdowns. Vin Diesel returns as Dom Toretto, facing a new villain played by Jason Momoa. The film leans into family, loyalty, and revenge as central themes. Though the plot is wild and chaotic, it delivers pure entertainment. A thrilling ride for fans of the saga.”
While yet another ecstatic fan writes: “THIS IS THE BEST MOVIE. Where this is not just about cars, racing, money or whatever, in this film we are taught to share happiness with our families And to the people we love, for the universal and everyone involved remains enthusiastic. I can’t wait to see the sequel.”
Critics, on the other hand, were not impressed with the latest Fast & Furious offering, with the film scoring a lowly 56 per cent in critics’ approval ratings.
While one reviewer wrote: “Fast X desperately wants to be a fun popcorn summer flick. The film manages to achieve that status quite a few times, but the runtime is so sprawling, the script so nonsensical, and the action sequences so drawn-out that it cannot sustain the levity.”
However, some critics were not as harsh in their opinions, with one declaring: “This is what summer movies should be! It’s spectacular! It’s thrilling! And it’s the kind of movie you can’t wait to yammer about to your friends. Truly, I walked out of Fast X with a big Momoa smile on my face, so wide it hurt.”
While another reviewer said: “You can’t help but laugh at the sheer audacity of the filmmakers. Give ‘em this much, they’re wholly embracing the madness.”
Yet another critic wrote: “This movie is good, silly popcorn fun — with a couple of scenes at the end (stay put during the first half of the credits) indicating even better times ahead.”
Fast X will be broadcast on ITV1 tonight (Saturday, November 15) at 10.15pm.
