Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordanna Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Rick Yune, Chad Lindberg, Matt Schulze, Johnny Strong, Ja Rule
Directed By: Rob Cohen
Plot: An undercover cop infiltrates a group of street racers, and becomes entrenched in their way of life.
As part of my coverage ramping up to Furious 7, I’ve decided to review and rewatch the first six Fast and Furious films. The original is always the original. It feels completely different than the later films in the franchise. The Furious series has turned into something completely different, almost Avengers-esque. Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto started out as a thug street racer who did some jail time for beating a guy with a wrench, to being the kind of guy that sketchy government entities come to for help. It’s just interesting to see that evolution. Honestly, and as much as I hate to say this, the acting in the first film is weaker than the later efforts. Especially Paul Walker, RIP. His acting… just not great. Of course, this isn’t an Oscar film, so who really cares, right?
Is it fun? Yes. Does it hold up? Surprisingly, pretty well. The only times it really feels outdated is when you see a computer screen, or see a cell phone. Technology has evolved past the crappy phones they use, and the basic computer programs. It introduces you to their world, and even if we never go back to that small of a world ever again, it is still an important first effort. And it reminds you why you still love Vin Diesel.
FINAL GRADE: B+
(I estimate this was my fourth viewing of this film)
