(L to R) Vin Diesel, Director Louis Leterrier and Rita Moreno on the set of ‘Fast X.’
Preview:
Vin Diesel has announced the next ‘Fast & Furious’ movie.
‘Fast Forever’ will be with us in 2028.
Louis Leterrier will direct the movie.
Like a backfiring jalopy with engine trouble, there have been several frustrating false starts for the next –– and most likely final –– ‘Fast & Furious’ movie.
Despite multiple announcements (including more than one from star, producer and ‘Fast’ cheerleader Vin Diesel) about different dates, budget wrangling and schedule issues have given the potential franchise wrap-up flat tires along the way.
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Now, though, it appears that everyone is on the same page (or maybe dirt track?) as both Diesel and studio backers Universal have announced that the new movie, now called ‘Fast Forever’ will be with us in 2028.
Jason Momoa as Dante in ‘Fast X’, directed by Louis Leterrier.
The typically stunt-heavy final minutes of 2023’s ‘Fast X’ show Diesel’s Dom Toretto driving down the side of a dam and into the water below, as he and his son, Little Brian (Leo Abelo Perry), race to escape a trap set by the villainous Dante (Jason Momoa), who arms a series of bombs. Then the movie cuts to black.
Two credit scenes follow, teasing the returns of Dwayne Johnson’s Hobbs and Gal Gadot‘s Gisele.
Universal has confirmed that the movie will be screeching into cinemas on March 17, 2028.
(Clockwise, from left) Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Han (Sung Kang), Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel), Dom (Vin Diesel), Little Brian (Leo Abelo Perry), Abuelita (Rita Moreno), Mia (Jordana Brewster), Tej (Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, back to camera) and Roman (Tyrese Gibson, back to camera) in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.
Jay Baruchel and Kevin Corrigan are among the new additions for ‘Reacher’ Season 4.
Alan Ritchson stars as Jack Reacher.
The new season adapts Lee Child’s 13th book, ‘Gone Tomorrow’.
‘Reacher,’ the Prime Video series adapted from Lee Child’s bestselling series of novels about the hulking former U.S. Army Military Police major –– brought to life on TV by Alan Ritchson –– has become one of the streaming service’s most successful shows.
It’ll return for a fourth season, and now we know who will be sharing the screen with Ritchson (and probably looking not to get punched), as Jay Baruchel is leading a host of new cast announcements.
Baruchel, of course, knows a thing or two about acting opposite a hulking action star –– he appears in Netflix series ‘FUBAR’ with Arnold Schwarzenegger. And it probably doesn’t hurt that that shares a showrunner with ‘Reacher,’ Nick Santora.
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Ritchson recently popped up on the series’ Instagram account to reveal that the fourth season will adapt Child’s 13th novel, ‘Gone Tomorrow’:
Jay Baruchel in Caitlin Cronenberg’s ‘Humane’. Courtesy of Steve Wilkie. An IFC Films & Shudder Release.
While the season will likely make the usual tweaks from the source material –– in this case, for example, from New York to Philadelphia. In it, when a chance encounter with a distraught stranger on a train goes horribly wrong, Jack Reacher is drawn into a complex and deadly game that pits him against ruthless foes from the highest echelons of power.
Baruchel will play Jacob Merrick, a small-town policeman.
Who else is among the cast for the new season?
Kevin Corrigan in ‘Bang Bang’.
Baruchel was far from the only person added to the show, as we know that Kevin Corrigan (‘The Departed’) is aboard to play Detective Docherty.
He’ll be partnered with Tamara Green, a detective with the Philadelphia police department, play by Sydelle Noel (‘Glow’).
Singer-actress Agnez Mo (‘Pernikahan Dini’) will be Lila Hoth, a young Indonesian woman who, along with her mother, Amisha Hoth (Indonesian-French singer Anggun, who appeared in ‘Levitating’), come to Philly to track down Lila’s American biological father.
When will ‘Reacher’ Season 4 be on screens?
Prime Video has yet to confirm an official release date for the fourth season, but given that production is gearing up now, we’d expect it to drop next year.
Landing on Prime Video on February 20th with the first three episodes, the third season of ‘Reacher’ plunges audiences back into the often violent world of Lee Child’s hulking former military police officer, who has a knack for finding trouble –– and solving it with either his fists or the nearest available weapon.
The first two seasons of the show, which stars Alan Ritchson as the title character, have been met with praise from critics and fans (not least because the tall and muscular Ritchson better fits the mold of the character than Tom Cruise did in his twomovies), so can the third keep the momentum going?
The biggest secret to ‘Reacher’s working so far is that it never treats the books like some sort of example of high art; instead, the feeling is more a nostalgic throwback to the sorts of shows that used to litter TV in the 1970s and ‘80s, such as ‘The A-Team’ and ‘The Incredible Hulk,’ where the heroes would travel to different places and sort out problems, including corrupt law enforcement or crime bosses. This concept these days is also explored to some degree by the CBS network series ‘Tracker.’
Of course, that and especially the older shows certainly didn’t have the freedom that streaming brings in terms of language and violence, nor do they have the budget of a ‘Reacher.’ All this, combined with a likeable (if sometimes limited, more on that below) lead performance by Ritchson.
Nick Santora, who developed the show and serves as head writer and showrunner, has a history on high-concept procedurals with some sense of humor –– and he’s also recently created action comedy series ‘FUBAR’, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
‘Reacher’ could never be described as an out-and-out laugh-fest, but it certainly manages to avoid being so self-serious that it’s less fun to watch. The stakes are certainly high (even if we know that, no matter how punishment he takes in the scope of one of his missions, our hero will survive to walk –– or drive –– off into the sunset), and the twisty action keeps you guessing, and there’s enough action and drama to be found within.
For this season, Reacher has more reason than usual to be careful. Not only is he required to watch his back in the usual sense as he wades into trouble, he’s also aware that he has to make sure no one really guesses what he’s up to, as opposed to previous missions where he’s got an out-in-the-open enemy to battle.
The writing team isn’t necessarily looking to keep you guessing, more on the edge of your seat as you wonder whether the truth will be uncovered. And there are layers upon layers of storyline that work effectively if simply.
Reacher’s not exactly a character who is quippy every other line; he’s more of the silent warrior type, but he does have a good line in grim humor –– witness his reaction to learning where the coffee he’s drinking comes from (hint: it’s a very expensive brand that has a history with feline digestive systems).
And Santora is careful to make sure that this season doesn’t come across as a carbon copy of what has gone before –– last time Reacher had a team to work with, this time it’s a scrappy collection of DEA agents operating without major military backing.
There is still some welcome connective tissue from seasons past, though; not the least of which is Maria Sten’s Frances Neagley, who is getting her own spin-off.
‘Reacher’s directing team, led by Sam Hill, keeps the show looking interesting and stylish, while the action scenes are always handled effectively.
Alan Ritchson is our returning central hero, the no-nonsense former officer who these days spends his time wandering the country and living by his own rules. While the character doesn’t exactly brim with charisma, he’s got his own style, and if it doesn’t lead to Oscar-winning work, it definitely gets the job done, just like Reacher.
Season 3 highlights include Sonya Cassidy’s smart-mouthed, sassy DEA agent Susan Duffy, one of the few people to earn Reacher’s begrudging respect. Cassidy is great in the role, providing the right amount of assured capability and human vulnerability.
Anthony Michael Hall is also solid as Zachary Beck, the corrupt businessman that Reacher comes into contact with this season. While the character might initially come across as a gruff, limited rich a-hole, Hall has more to work with when interacting with his son Richard, played with nervy energy by Johnny Berchtold.
And because the biggest problem for a show featuring a character as imposing as Jack Reacher comes in finding someone who is actually a challenge for him to face, Season 3 brings us Olivier Richters’ Paulie, a hulking giant of a man who is more than a match for the taciturn title character. It’s highly entertaining to see someone Reacher can’t simply knock out, and their eventual clash is one for the ages.
‘Reacher’ continues to be an entertaining action series with a solid sense of humor and a compelling central figure.
Some darker-hued flashbacks add an additional layer of emotion and tension.
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What is the plot of ‘Reacher’ Season 3?
In season 3, Reacher (Alan Ritchson) delves into the dark underbelly of a vast criminal enterprise when he attempts to rescue a DEA informant. There, he encounters a world of secrets and violence and is confronted with issues from his past.
Premiering on Prime Video beginning February 20th is the third season of the popular series ‘Reacher’, which is based on the series of books by author Lee Child. The new season is specifically adapted from the novel ‘Persuader’, and once again stars Alan Ritchson in the title role.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Alan Ritchson about his work on ‘Reacher’ season 3, the direction the new season takes his character, Reacher’s partnership with Duffy, working with Sonya Cassidy, shooting the fight scenes with Olivier Richters, and how it feels to now be the second biggest guy on a ‘Reacher’ set.
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Ritchson, Sonya Cassidy, Brian Tee, Olivier Richters, and Anthony Michael Hall.
Moviefone: To begin with, what can you tell our readers about season 3 and the direction it takes Reacher?
Alan Ritchson: Yeah, season three is the best one yet. I’m just going to say it. I don’t think anybody’s going to disagree once they’ve seen it all. We go back to the roots of what we love about Reacher, which, you know, he’s a lone wolf, and sometimes he gets involved in situations where he gets backed into a corner and that’s what happens this season. It’s fun to watch what he has to do with that. So, ‘Persuader’ is the book that this is this season is based on. It’s one of the fan favorite books for a reason. I think anybody who hasn’t read the books, just hold on tight because this this one’s a roller coaster.
MF: Can you talk about Reacher’s partnership with Duffy and working with Sonya Cassidy?
AR: Let me start by saying Sonya Cassidy, who plays Duffy is one of the best actresses I’ve ever worked with, and I’m so rooting for her in her career. The only other person I’ve worked with that’s truly on that level is Willa Fitzgerald, who played Roscoe at season one and rightly so, audiences really fell in love with her. I want to see her come back somehow. if I’m right, I think audiences are going to feel much the same way about Sonya. Duffy is an incredible character. She’s somebody who, like Roscoe, is unafraid to tell Reacher how it is and she’s trying very hard to get him to do some undercover work for her, and Reacher reluctantly agrees because there’s something in it for him. It just makes for a great tension between these two characters that are reluctantly working together.
MF: Finally, can you talk about shooting Reacher and Paulie’s fight scenes with Olivier Richters, and what is it like being the second biggest guy on set?
AR: Yeah, I don’t mind at all. Look, I want to really earn it at the end of the day. I don’t ever want it to be easy for him. If it ever starts to feel like Reacher is invincible and untouchable, I think that’s going to be boring for audiences, and we should give him a run for his money. Olivier does that in spades. He’s a monster of a human being. He really put it all out there. He gave it everything he’s got, and he we went for it. The production of the fight that culminates at the end of season three, took three weeks to shoot. It was the toughest, most brutal three weeks of my entire life. I was barely able to walk at the end of it. He was like, “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done”. Hopefully it shows in some way and the audience really can appreciate how much he put out there. But he was he was great to work with.
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What is the plot of ‘Reacher’ Season 3?
In season 3, Reacher (Alan Ritchson) delves into the dark underbelly of a vast criminal enterprise when he attempts to rescue a DEA informant. There, he encounters a world of secrets and violence and is confronted with issues from his past.
Alan Ritchson in ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’. Photo: Daniel Smith.
Preview:
‘Reacher’s Alan Ritchson is aboard new action thriller ‘Runner.’
‘Expendables 4’s Scott Waugh is directing.
It’ll see an organ courier come under threat from a crime boss.
While he’s still gainfully employed playing man-mountain former military policeman Jack Reacher in ‘Reacher,’ that hasn’t stopped Alan Ritchson from pursuing his movie career.
With the third season of ‘Reacher’ now shot and arriving on Prime Video next year, Ritchson has busied himself with film roles, including Netflix action sci-fi pic ‘War Machine’ and a plan to return for the next ‘Fast & Furious’ entry, which could well be the finale to that long-running franchise.
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Alongside those two, he’s also landed the lead role in a new thriller called ‘Runner,’ which will, as you might expect, see him travelling at some speed –– in this case, because he’ll play a man tasked with ferrying an organ to help a young transplant patient. As it turns out, other people are also interested in the precious cargo…
Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher in Prime Video’s ‘Reacher’ season 2.
Written by Miles Hubley and Tommy White (whose script ended up on the 2023 Blacklist of best unproduced screenplays), ‘Runner’ follows a high-end courier who has three hours to transport an organ to save a seven-year-old girl in need of an immediate transplant.
The seemingly simple mission turns deadly when the leader of a notorious crime syndicate becomes hell-bent on claiming the organ.
This is what director Scott Waugh had to say about the movie:
“ ‘Runner’ with the driving force of an actor like Alan Ritchson reminds me of the Tony Scott action films I grew up on in the 90’s when character and story were pivotal, and the action was a spectacle. I couldn’t be more excited to direct this super entertaining script and bring the thrilling world of ‘Runner’ to life.”
Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher in Prime Video’s ‘Reacher’ season 2.
The film doesn’t yet have a distributor so there’s zero word on a release date yet. Companies A Higher Standard and WME Independent will have the rights up for sale at the American Film Market in Las Vegas next month.
This is what A Higher Standard’s Jeffrey Greenstein said about the movie:
“ ‘Runner’ is the exact type of film that audiences across the globe crave- a high octane, entertaining film that also has heart and levity. Alan Ritchson is tailor-made for this role and he, his action team and Scott Waugh together will keep you on the edge of your seats on this full throttle ride.”
Alan Ritchson as Ed Schmitt in ‘Ordinary Angels.’ Photo Credit: Allen Fraser.
This new movie certainly sees him channeling the tone of those initial efforts, but while that provides plenty of thrills and chuckles to begin with, midway through it seems to decide that is not worth sticking with and becomes something more like ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ (though never reaching the quality levels of that).
Does ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ prove to be a fun mission?
Alan Ritchson in ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’. Photo: Daniel Smith.
It’s something of a mystery when you have a movie that offers Henry Cavill in particular with the most charismatically entertaining character he’s played in a while (with, unlike in ‘Argylle’, the screentime to fully embrace it) but somehow lose confidence in the jokey tone that is established early on.
True, the subject of war, especially in a real-life context, is one to be taken seriously, but that later gear switch grinds noisily midway through the running time. And yes, there are the real people to be considered (a closing credit sequence includes imagery and potted histories of the personalities after the time of the mission portrayed), but the two tones of the movie simply don’t mesh well enough to make the whole work.
‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’: Script and Direction
Eiza González in ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’. Photo: Daniel Smith.
Ritchie here adapts Damien Lewis (not the actor, different spelling)’s book with the help of Paul Tamasy and Arash Amel, adding his own particular flare to the story of a group of real-life, under-the-radar heroes helped turned the tide of World War II when things were looking their bleakest for the Allied forces.
But, as we’ve said before in this review, the script’s tone takes a dive somewhere around the point that the mission itself starts to go off the rails. It’s as if the characters shrug off their colorful personalities and adopt much blander, generic war movie archetypes instead. Moments of humor do poke through still, and there are obviously moments where the darker tone requires a more serious approach. The movie, though, doesn’t completely recover.
In the director’s chair, Ritchie certainly brings plenty of his usual style to the proceedings, and he frequently gets the best out of his cast in the early going. The movie also looks good, the budget clearly up on the screen in scenes where the team engages with battleships or enters the port that is their main objective.
Yet he still can’t stop his own movie from turning into something that is far less effective in its final third. As the action ramps up (which has its own ticking clock tension, to be sure), the compelling character work fades and some of the interest starts to wane.
‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’: Performances
Henry Cavill in ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’. Photo: Daniel Smith.
This is most certainly Henry Cavill’s film, and when he’s allowed, he jumps in with both feet. His Gus March-Phillips is a wily, snarky sort, well aware of his reputation even as he’s ready to give his life in service of his country. He’s not above stealing cigars from his superiors or mouthing off to Nazis who are pointing guns at him (and why not?) At full power, he’s the charismatic center of the movie.
But he’s ably supported by the ensemble, especially Alan Ritchson as the hulking Anders Lassen. Right there with Cavill’s character, he’s always ready to enjoy his missions, and dishes out violence like a funnier ‘Reacher‘.
Henry Golding has less to do as explosives expert Freddy Alvarez, but he’s handed some fun chunks of scenes, and Golding makes the most of them. Eiza González, meanwhile, has a better character in the early going, but is soon reduced to either being a femme fatale or a damsel in distress.
From the supporting cast, Babs Olusanmokun stands out as the college educated man of letters who has set himself up as king of the mercenaries in the port where the team has to take out U-boat supply chain. It’s a winning performance and Olusanmokun makes it look effortless.
Elsewhere, Til Schweiger is suitably menacing/ridiculous as BDSM-obsessed Nazi commander Heinrich Luhr (one of the characters who feels very Ritchie-fied with his verbal diarrhea) and Cary Elwes is a suitably eyebrow-raising “M”.
‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’: Final Thoughts
Cary Elwes in ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’. Photo: Daniel Smith.
Ritchie’s latest release shows signs of the director warring within himself more than the movie itself is about conflict. It’s as if he started out fully intended to make an engaging romp of an action comedy before a side of him worried about what people would think about the historical accuracy might think.
The result is a compromised effort that rather falls between two stools –– but has enough value to make it worth sticking out. Especially if you like Henry Cavill sticking his tongue out as a he shoots a machine gun.
‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ receives 6.5 out of 10 stars.
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What’s the story of ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’?
Based upon recently declassified files of the British War Department and inspired by true events, ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ is an action-comedy that tells the story of the first-ever special forces organization formed during WWII by U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill and a small group of military officials including author Ian Fleming.
The top-secret combat unit, composed of a motley crew of rogues and mavericks, goes on a daring mission against the Nazis using entirely unconventional and utterly “ungentlemanly” fighting techniques. Ultimately their audacious approach changed the course of the war and laid the foundation for the British SAS and modern Black Ops warfare.
Who stars in ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’?
‘Reacher’ Season 2 has launched its first trailer.
The new season finds Reacher aiding some old colleagues.
Prime Video will launch Season 2 in December.
Since punching his way out of the pages of Lee Child’s books, the character of Jack Reacher has been brought to screens by Tom Cruise in the twomovies based on the tough-as-nails soldier-turned-rough-justice-happy drifter who helps the hopeless (and is frequently called into solve trickier, more dangerous issues to do with his old gig) and, more recently, the height-appropriate Alan Ritchson, who took on the role for the Prime Video series that debuted last year.
The small-screen version is back for a second season and a new mystery that draws from Reacher’s past as part of military investigations. What can we expect? Well, lots of punching, some flashbacks and Reacher dishing out what he does best.
And we’re getting our first look at footage from the new show –– which is back on screens in December –– via the first trailer.
What’s the story of ‘Reacher’ Season 2?
Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher in Prime Video’s ‘Reacher’ season 2.
Based on ‘Bad Luck and Trouble’, the 11th book in Child’s global best-selling series, ‘Reacher’s new season begins when veteran military police investigator Jack Reacher (Ritchson) receives a coded message that the members of his former U.S. Army unit, the 110th MP Special Investigations, are being mysteriously and brutally murdered one by one.
Pulled from his drifter lifestyle, Reacher reunites with three of his former teammates turned chosen family to investigate, including Frances Neagley (Maria Sten); Karla Dixon (Serinda Swan), a forensic accountant for whom Reacher has long had a soft spot; and fast-talking, switchblade-wielding family man David O’Donnell (Shaun Sipos).
Together, they begin to connect the dots in a mystery where the stakes get higher at every turn, and that brings about questions of who has betrayed them — and who will die next. Using his inimitable blend of smarts and size, Reacher will stop at nothing to uncover the truth and protect the members of his unit. If there’s one thing Reacher and his team know for certain, it’s that you do not mess with the Special Investigators. This season, get ready for Reacher and the 110th to hit back hard…
Who else is in ‘Reacher’ Season 2?
A scene from Prime Video’s ‘Reacher’ season 2.
The cast for this new season also includes Ferdinand Kingsley as A.M., a mercenary that homeland security refers to as a “ghost;” Robert Patrick as Shane Langston, head of security for a private defense contractor with a questionable track record; and Domenick Lombardozzi as tough NYPD detective Guy Russo.
Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher in Prime Video’s ‘Reacher’ season 2.
The eight-episode second season will roll out weekly, with the first three episodes premiering on December 15th December, and subsequent episodes dropping every Friday through January 19th, 2024.
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Vin Diesel as Dom in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.
The past always has a way of catching up with Dominic Toretto and his gang. This time, someone from Dom’s past shows up in the most unexpected way, putting everyone in danger, including Dom’s son – Little B.
“Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto and his family have outsmarted and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they must confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced. Fueled by revenge, a terrifying threat emerges from the shadows of the past to shatter Dom’s world and destroy everything — and everyone — he loves.”
‘Fast X’ premiered in Rome on May 12, 2023. It opened in theaters domestically on May 19th. The film opened to $67 million and has grossed over $676.9 million worldwide since its release.
The Past Continues To Haunt Dominic Toretto
(L to R) Vin Diesel and Daniela Melchior in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.
Trouble always seems to find its way to Dominic Toretto’s doorstep, much like when ‘Fate of the Furious’ villain Cypher (Charlize Theron) shows up at Dom’s home badly injured. She tells Dom of a new threat named Dante, who turns out to be the son of drug lord Herman Reyes. Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida) appeared in ‘Fast Five’ and met his end after chasing Dom’s team for the vault.
Played by Jason Momoa, Dante seeks revenge for his father’s death and will stop at nothing to hurt Dom – including kidnapping his son Brian. Dante may be the franchise’s most interesting and formidable villain so far – outsmarting Dom in ways we’ve never seen before. Fashionable, unhinged, and outright entertaining to watch, Dante steals every scene he is in.
New Players Entering ‘The Fast & Furious’ Franchise
(Right) Brie Larson is Tess in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.
Joining the Fast family are Brie Larson (‘Captain Marvel’), Alan Ritchson (‘Dark Web: Cicada 3301’), and Daniela Melchior (‘The Suicide Squad’). Brie Larson portrays Tess, who is revealed to be the daughter of Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell). She is helping Dom and his team in their fight against Dante Reyes. Alan Ritchson plays Aimes, the new head of The Agency. Daniela Melchior plays Isabel, a Brazilian street racer who is connected to someone from Dom’s past.
There is more than meets the eye with these new characters, so you should check out the movie to find out exactly who they are and if they’re on Team Dom or plotting against them.
Where Can I Watch ‘Fast X’?
Jason Momoa as Dante in ‘Fast X’, directed by Louis Leterrier.
The film was released theatrically in the United States on May 19th, 2023, and its follow-up is already announced to be released on April 4th, 2025. While the movie is already available on VOD, you can still catch the high-octane action in theaters. ‘Fast X’ is available in IMAX, Dolby Atmos, 3D, and 4DX format, so be sure to check with Moviefone below for showtimes in your area. ‘Fast X’ has a total runtime of 2 hours and 21 minutes, making it the second-longest movie in the franchise.
You now have the option to rent or purchase ‘Fast X’ on VOD for $19.99 or $24.99, respectively. The movie is available on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Direct TV, Google Play, Vudu, Microsoft, YouTube, AppleTV, and Redbox.
As the movie is distributed by Universal Pictures, Peacock subscribers (in both Premium and Premium Plus tiers) will be able to stream ‘Fast X’ once available – likely to be in late August or early September though no official date has been announced by the studio.
No official date has been announced for the DVD/Blu-Ray release of the film, though pre-orders are already available from stores such as Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy.
(Clockwise, from left) Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Han (Sung Kang), Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel), Dom (Vin Diesel), Little Brian (Leo Abelo Perry), Abuelita (Rita Moreno), Mia (Jordana Brewster), Tej (Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, back to camera) and Roman (Tyrese Gibson, back to camera) in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.
(Clockwise, from left) Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Han (Sung Kang), Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel), Dom (Vin Diesel), Little Brian (Leo Abelo Perry), Abuelita (Rita Moreno), Mia (Jordana Brewster), Tej (Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, back to camera) and Roman (Tyrese Gibson, back to camera) in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.
‘Fast X’ opening in theaters on May 19th, is the latest entry in the sprawling, wildly successful franchise that begun in much more humble fashion as a take on ‘Point Break’s undercover lawman genre in 2001 and his since spiraled into a bombastic action franchise revolving around the endlessly repeated theme of family.
After a muted, disappointing entry with ‘F9: The Fast Saga’ in 2021 (which nevertheless did good business), it’s a relief to report that fans of the franchise, led by star/producer Vin Diesel, is a return to the ridiculous, stunt-heavy, common sense-free form that we’ve come know and appreciate.
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What’s the story of ‘Fast X?
Dominic Toretto (Diesel) is back living in the family home in Los Angeles with wife Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) and son Brian (Leo Abelo Perry). It’s a relatively quiet time for Dom and his gang, punctuated by family barbecues, driving lessons for Brian and a visit from his Abuela (Rita Moreno).
But Dom’s peace is ruined when old enemy Cipher (Charlize Theron) shows up badly injured at his door one night, spinning a story of a new threat called Dante (Jason Momoa). He, it turns out, is the son of Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida), the drug kingpin that Dom and his team robbed and killed 10 years ago in Rio (as chronicled in the events of ‘Fast Five’ in 2011).
(From left) Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) and Han (Sung Kang) in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.
Soon, the flamboyant, crazed Dante is setting traps for our heroes, including luring Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Ludacris), Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) and Han (Sung Kang) on a fake mission to Rome where they and others, including spy agency member Little Nobody (Scott Eastwood) must stop a giant, rolling bomb from destroying parts of Rome and the Vatican.
But when they’re all framed for the attack, the “family” is scattered to various parts of the world as Dante schemes and undermines them, stealing all their money and threatening their own family members.
Soon Dom is locked in a frantic battle with Dante, forced to rely on everyone he loves, even as they’re put in mortal danger. Can he succeed against this powerful villain?
(Right) Brie Larson is Tess in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.
To put it bluntly, there are two main advantages to the new ‘Fast’ movie, and the biggest is easily Jason Momoa. Clearly understanding that he A) needs to bring some fun and B) have some fun in the role of the big bad, he’s the most entertaining villain, and possibly the most entertaining character, the franchise has had for a long time.
Extravagantly dressed, free of macho impulses and always ready with a quip, he’s a giant breath of fresh air that nevertheless also feels like a real challenge to Dom and co. Even his mantra of, “Never accept death when suffering is owed,” inherited from his late father (who is glimpsed in an opening blend of footage from ‘Fast Five’ and newly created shots) helps to justify why Dom and company usually tend to escape from their adventures all but unscathed. You might still find yourself shouting, “why don’t you just kill [insert name here]??” at various points, but that’s all part of the fun of the franchise.
And let’s be honest: people “die” in this movie series and have returned before (Han in particular). It’s rarely the end it might be elsewhere.
(From left) Little Brian (Leo Abelo Perry, back to camera) and Jakob (John Cena) in ‘Fast X,’ directed Louis Leterrier.
While there were real concerns after ‘F9’ felt like a tired retread of the usual tropes, a sign the movies are running out of gas, ‘Fast X’ actually comes across as a second wind, embracing the set piece silliness and leaning into the entertainment value. Aside from Momoa, it also succeeds by letting Cena embrace his more humorous side since switching sides from being the vengeful villain in the previous entry.
An early briefing for a new character lets the franchise poke proper fun at itself, nodding towards the physics-defying action and globe-trotting story. It’s a canny way to catch up anyone who has decided to make this their first ‘Fast’ movie (though it’s hard to imagine anyone rocking up to these films without having seen at least one other).
Plus, new director Louis Leterrier (who replaced veteran Justin Lin after the latter quit one week into production) is something of a revelation, bringing a combo of his ease with the sort of high-concept action where he started his career (such as ‘The Transporter’) and finding the emotional core these films need to work.
(L to R) Vin Diesel and Director Louis Leterrier on the set of ‘Fast X.’
What are the problems of the movie?
For all its advantages, there are also the usually clunky elements, this entry still boasting scenes that make it seem as though a straight-to-DVD B-movie broke out in the middle of a summer blockbuster.
Actors who have won Oscars struggle with dialogue that would trip any actor up, whole moments sounding like they were written by feeding to suggestions to a ChatGPT AI that was then dropped on its hard drive, so leaden and first base are the results. It’s especially glaring for any scenes set in the mysterious “agency” spy division currently run by Ritchson’s Aimes. The man who is Jack Reacher on TV doesn’t break free of the dodgy lines he’s handed. And even Larson can’t make Tess work beyond some basic motivations.
And Diesel, despite being the core of the film, remains the one who treats it all so completely seriously that it’s actually less fun when he’s growling and putting the pedal to the metal.
(From left) Queen (Helen Mirren) and Dom (Vin Diesel) in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.
Even as the movie acknowledges its own ridiculous nature, you’ll end up giggling at how many times the word “family” is uttered as usual, and the number of familial connections between characters is becoming ever more ridiculous. Everyone Dom knows at this point is connected to someone else in the franchise. It’s not hard to imagine him running into someone at the local auto parts store who is a long-lost cousin.
Fortunately, ‘Fast X’ is nimbler than ‘F9’ and papers over some of these typical cracks with gusto .
‘Fast X’ receives 8.5 out of 10 stars.
Vin Diesel as Dom in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.
‘Fast X’ is produced by Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Justin Lin, Jeff Kirschenbaum and Samantha Vincent. The executive producers are Joseph M. Caracciolo, Jr., David Cain, Chris Morgan, Amanda Lewis and Mark Bomback.
Vin Diesel as Dom in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.
Just when you though the ‘Fast & Furious’ team had really, truly finalized plans to wrap the franchise up (while still, of course, leaving the car door open for future spin-offs etc.) with the already-announced 11th entry as a two parter with this week’s ‘Fast X’ along comes star/producer Vin Diesel teasing that there could well be at least one more movie.
Team ‘Fast’ headed to Rome shortly before the weekend for a big press event to promote the movie (which makes sense, since a chunk of the film takes place in the city).
Interviewed by Fandango about a possible future for the franchise, Diesel said this,
“It’s a really good question. As filmmakers, you want to allow people to enjoy the film without tipping the hat too much. I can say this. Going into making this movie, the studio had asked if this could be a two-parter. And after the studio saw this, part one, they said, could you make ‘Fast X’, the finale, a trilogy?”
Diesel and co-star Michelle Rodriguez wouldn’t be drawn on whether it’ll happen for sure, though Diesel did say, “probably”.
You can see the full video here:
WATCH: On the red carpet in Rome, Italy, did Vin Diesel just confirm that #FastX is the first part of a… trilogy?! Whoa! It all begins in theaters a week from today. Ready, set… go get your tickets! 🚘🎟's —> https://t.co/jO68lUJ5h6pic.twitter.com/2DiJsYkgUz
Of course, even though Diesel has an awful lot of say over developments in the ‘Fast’ world, it’s up to Universal whether this actually happens. But we can certainly see the studio happy to keep its most successful franchise motoring.
Our guess –– and this is purely speculation –– is that executives are waiting to see the box office results of ‘Fast X’ before making any final decision.
Jason Momoa is Dante in ‘Fast X,’ directed by Louis Leterrier.
Directed by Louis Leterrier (who replaced Justin Lin) ‘Fast X’ picks up with Dom and his crew as they look to fend off the pair of big bads — the cyberterrorist Cipher (Charlize Theron) and her mysterious cohort, Dante (Jason Momoa), who, it turns out, has a link to another previous franchise antagonist, the drug kingpin Reyes, played in ‘Fast Five’ by Joaquim de Almeida.
Dante, as the trailers for ‘Fast X’ have already revealed, is the son of Reyes, and has spent the time since ‘Fast Five’ plotting his revenge against Dom and co.
Dom and the usual gang will need help of a new friend, Tess (Brie Larson), who has her own connections to a supporting ‘Fast’ character.
And original franchise star Paul Walker’s daughter Meadow will appear in the film in a cameo to “honor” the legacy of her late father, as she revealed on social media last week.
‘Fast X’, as mentioned, is due in theaters on Friday. The 11th film (with Leterrier returning) has yet to announce a release date but is likely headed our way in 2025.
(L to R) Jason Momoa and Vin Diesel star in ‘Fast X.’ Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures.
‘Fast X’ is produced by Universal Pictures, Original Film, One Race, and Perfect Storm Entertainment. It is set to premiere in theaters on May 19th, 2023.
