Review of Need for Speed (2014) by Maksim B — 26 Aug 2014

Another attempt for a fast-speed, adrenaline-pumping racing franchise, Need for Speed is a pale and shallow adaptation of the cult video game which has nothing to offer except for clichéd street racing and some beautiful cars. Borrowing heavily from the Fast and Furious franchise and other unsuccessful deliveries, this is a perfectly forgettable action movie that would satisfy the die-hard fans of beautiful sports cars, but it will fail to keep its grasp on the audiences looking for a story that is above the level of mediocrity.

In terms of a story there is not much to say, simply because revealing it will make watching the movie unbearable. Long story short, Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul) comes out of prison and heads towards his personal revenge. In his particular case, the only way for that is the participation in the most secretive and hype street race in the US. Countless car chases, clichéd dialogues and utterly predictable story result in a delivery that somehow resembles the old school action classics. Unfortunately by trying to keep it modern for its main audience target (the fans of the joystick version of Need for Speed), director Scott Waugh has delivered an overlong car chase movie with an awful script.

Neither the cast, nor the plot are good enough to be remembered a month after you have seen the final credits. If you are searching for a mindless action and a sort of "auto pornographic" exhibition of super expensive cars, Need for Speed would be satisfying. For the rest it is a mediocre delivery similar to Torque that is only watchable with loads of beer and popcorn at home.