Genre: Action/Adventure
Director: Justin Lin
Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, John Ortiz, Laz Alonso, Gal Gadot, Shea Whigham, Tego Calderon, Liza Lapira
RunTime: 1 hr 47 mins
Released By: UIP
Rating: PG
Official Website: http://www.fastandfuriousmovie.net/

Opening Day: 9 April 2009

Synopsis:

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker reteam for the ultimate chapter of the franchise built on speed -- "Fast & Furious." Heading back to the streets where it all began, they rejoin Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster to blast muscle, tuner and exotic cars across Los Angeles and floor through the Mexican desert in the new high-octane action-thriller.

When a crime brings them back to L.A., fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto (Diesel) reignites his feud with agent Brian O'Conner (Walker). But as they are forced to confront a shared enemy, Dom and Brian must give in to an uncertain new trust if they hope to outmanuever him. And from convoy heists to precision tunnel crawls across international lines, two men will find the best way to get revenge: push the limits of what's possible behind the wheel.

With the reluctant help of Diana Wayland (Rose Byrne) and Abby Wayland, the daughter and granddaughter of the now-deceased author of the prophecies, Ted's increasingly desperate efforts take him on a heart-pounding race against time until he finds himself facing the ultimate disaster - and the ultimate sacrifice.

Movie Review:

Can’t tell the difference between a Mitsubishi Eclipse from a Toyota Supra Turbo? Don’t see the big deal about a Honda Civic EX and a Nissan 240SX? Don’t worry, this reviewer cannot drive to save his life, much less appreciate the art of car gawking like any other hot blooded male. But he still managed to survive the 107 minutes of vroom vroom vrooms in this fourth movie of the successful franchise.

While he has never been much of a fan of the previous three movies, this reviewer must admit that there is some level of excitement while watching this Justin Lin directed picture. Not only does it bring back the original director of the first 2001 movie, it also reteams the four main cast of that adrenaline pumping original – Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster. So how’s that for a reunion?

Playing the original characters from The Fast & The Furious, these four stars are back for another rip roaring outing. Diesel’s Dominic Toretto is now an international criminal, and upon learning of his girlfriend Letty’s (Rodriguez) terrible fate, he travels from Panama to Los Angeles to seek revenge. There, he meets his nemisis Brian O’Connor (Walker), who is now a FBI agent, To make things a little more exciting, O’Connor is also dating his sister Mia (Brewster). And because our male stars look so good driving those lean mean cars, the plot has them teaming up to track down a common enemy – a drug dealer who is associated with illegal street racing.

We know there isn’t much of a story plot here, but let’s admit it: People are going to pay for that ticket to see cool stars driving cool cars. And that is exactly what you’ll get in this movie.

From the moment the very loud movie begins, you get a very exciting fuel tank hijack sequence set on the highways of the Dominican Republic. Expect to see Diesel’s bulging biceps screaming for attention, and Rodriguez’s daredevil stunts. That is enough to have you grip your seats in exhilaration. Then we get a sequence of Walker jumping from rooftop to rooftop, showcasing his agility in chasing criminals. Talk about alpha males hogging the limelight.

While Diesel and Walker should aptly keep female viewers’ eyes glued to the screen, the colourful variation of cars featured in this movie should please the guys. And we are not even talking about the elaborately choreographed car races, chases and explosions (there are at least three major ones) to thrill the action fan in you.

Of course, you wouldn’t step into the cinema expecting stellar performances from the cast. Diesel looks intense. Walker looks intense. Brewster looks intense. And so does Rodriguez who is rather underused, considering her attractively menacing scowl. When you don’t get much substance from the plot and cast’s acting, you become numbed by the very loud vroom vroom vrooms and the obligatory eye opening action sequences. Of course, ear splitting and heart thumping songs are conveniently littered throughout the movie to distract you from the lack of a decent storyline.

And that makes this reviewer wonder: Is that what driving fast cars is all about?

Movie Rating:



(It’s fast. It’s furious. And that’s about it)

Review by John Li