Review – The Fate Of The Furious

Can you believe that we are at the eighth Fast and the Furious film? Neither can I.. This time around, Dom (Vin Diesel) is forced to turn against his team by Charlize Theron’s Cypher in an attempt to become the world’s authority. This then puts into question how much he truly values family, something new and different for the franchise!

Sarcasm aside, the movie was mostly pretty boring. The premise wasn’t overly interesting and neither was the bad guy Cypher. Her motivations were pretty lack-lustre and you’ve seen them time and time before in other movies. World Domination just doesn’t do it for me anymore. Whilst she made some cool stunts happen, they weren’t overly endearing. Some of it landed, others didn’t

What makes these movies great is the team dynamic. However, the additions haven’t been as interesting as the originals. Scott Eastwood is the latest to join the team as Little Nobody, an agent who is a stickler for the rules. The rest, a cast made from the previous seven films, seem to fall a little flat, which made their battle with Dom not as compelling.

With Dom now turning against his team, it’s Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson that takes centre stage. After a hilarious introduction to his fatherly character, F. Gary Gary (Director) has taken every opportunity they had for Johnson to flex his muscles. From slamming secret agents against walls, and taking rubber bullets, this man certainly is a beast. However, it is a performance we have seen countless times from him and nothing that will put a marker in his career.

Tried and true fans of the franchise will certainly find excitement in different cameos littered throughout. However, these additions aren’t clear enough for new audience members. From ambulance vans to old rivals, these new audience members are given no relevance to the cameos. They are left to assume that each cameos importance.

Cast and crew aside, we all know the cars are the big selling point of the franchise. Especially the ridiculousness of manipulating cars to mercenary advantage. Some of these moments will be spoiled because of the trailer, but the sheer magnitude of one of Cypher’s cyber-attacks will only be fully appreciated on the big screen.

Unfortunately, F8’s biggest missed opportunity was the soundtrack. More often than not, the soundtrack is forgettable under the purring revs of the expensive cars. But it’s when the chase scenes are paired with hip hop beats that the races really shine. You would have expected more from the guy who directed Straight Outta Compton.

There were a few twists and surprises that were duly appreciated. If I were to tell you them it would completely ruin it. The trailer shows pretty much every other part that is remotely good so we have to keep some things secret!

The formula for a Fast and Furious film was there. Right from the opening on an exotic island with shots objectifying women to the end barbeque symbolising family. If you are wanting more of the same thing then I’m sure you will enjoy it. Just don’t expect it to be the best one yet.

Ultimately, F8 needed more. It needed more charm, more explosions, more craziness. It wasn’t daring or bold enough for the eighth film in the franchise. It feels like they have lost their way a little, which is disappointing but understandable when considering the tragedy of Paul Walker’s death. Let’s hope they find get the groove back for number 9 and 10!

Review by Jackie Jeanette