“Fast Five”

Paul Walker and Vin Diesel in “Fast Five” (Universal, 2011)

This week’s film is “Fast Five” (Universal, 2011), which just happens to be the fifth film (no way!) in “The Fast and the Furious” film franchise. Overall, the films in this series are hit and miss; however, “Fast Five” is truly a blast from start to finish. At its core, “Fast Five” is a heist pic. All of the characters from the previous four films reunite in Rio with thief-on-the-run-with-a-muscle-car-in-every-country Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and former-cop-now-thief-on-the-run-with-a-tuner-car-in-every-country Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) to take down an evil crime lord in a way that has to be seen to be believed. Director Justin Lin (this is his third film that he’s directed in the series) really knows how to direct and edit car chase/racing scenes using practical sets, crazy driving, and major digital effects (which all look fantastic together, by the way). The film is pure mayhem and adrenaline from start to finish. Also along for the ride are Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (his first “Fast & Furious” pic), Jordana Brewster, Ludacris, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, and, unfortunately, Tyrese Gibson. And get excited–“Fast & Furious 6” is coming to a theater near you on May 24, 2013. Written by Chris Morgan with characters created by Gary Scott Thompson. Directed by Justin Lin. “We find ’em, we take ’em as a team, and we bring ’em back. And above all else, we don’t ever, ever let them get into cars.”