Review of The Fast and the Furious (2001) by Christopher A — 23 May 2013

What can I really say about The Fast and the Furious? Well, as the title seems to suggest, there is plenty of excitement in the movie that is likely to get the adrenaline pumping. This is one of those popcorn flicks that gives us loads of eye candy but also avoids engaging the brain.

Like in any action flick, there isn't that much of a story. A cop named Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) is sent on an undercover mission to investigation to apprehend a gang of street racers, who are also suspected of stealing millions of dollars in car merchandise. He manages to befriend them and become a part of their group. While he is welcomed by Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and most of the gang, Vincent (Matt Schulze) is suspicious of him. But Brian becomes compromised when he finds himself attracted to Dom's sister, Mia (Jordana Brewster).

The story is basically just a by the numbers cop story trying to bust the gang. It's not like one of those cop shows that you see on TV. This is all high-octane action with some in-between time. The cars look stylish and the car racing/chase scenes are exciting, well shot, and are, well, fast and furious.

For the characters, only two of them are really given character. There are no standouts, but they do their jobs. Vin Diesel does a pretty cool character as Dominic Toretto. Paul Walker was okay in his role. Michelle Rodriguez is underwritten, but she was good as Dom's girlfriend. Jordana Brewster does fine with her role, but she doesn't do much but being Dom's sister and Brian's girlfriend.

The Fast and the Furious is one of those movies that has "guilty pleasure" written all over it. It gets adrenaline pumping and the car scenes are stylish and exciting. There isn't much of character development, but this movie delivers on the brainless fun level.