Fast X (2023, dir. Louis Leterrier) - review by Rookie-Critic

Here we are... at the beginning of the end of the road. This, for better and for worse, might be the fastest and most furious of the films to date in the sense that you are being constantly bombarded with cameos, callbacks, crazy action, and cars for the entire 2-1/2 hour runtime. This means that anyone who isn't already familiar with the intricacies of the character relations of the franchise at this point will most assuredly be lost during a good portion of the film. Which isn't necessarily a knock against it, what do you expect from the tenth (eleventh if you count Hobbs & Shaw, which you should) installment in a franchise. We're neck deep and sinking at this point. Chances are if you're still with it this deep into the story, you know what you're getting yourself into and you're in it for the long haul, and I most certainly am. As a new convert into the Fast & Furious cult, I love these things. They're dumb, largely nonsensical, and overly sentimental to a fault, but those are all pieces of this messy web of a puzzle that endear the fans to it, myself included. Fast X is no different, it gives you everything you've come to love about and expect from the franchise, but as far as where it ranks amongst everything, I'd put it more towards the middle of the pack. Yes, it is very fun and I will talk about the things that I liked in a bit, but it also has a lot of issues that are impossible to ignore.

The first, and biggest, detriment to the film is the Justin Lin-shaped hole in the director's chair. Longtime Fast & Furious director Justin Lin (who directed Tokyo Drift, 4, 5, 6, and 9) takes a backseat in this one, opting to just be a co-writer on the film, and the style of the film suffers greatly as a result. This film just looks strange. Obvious and poorly constructed green screen backgrounds are used in places they have no business being in, lines of dialogue have been noticeably dubbed in during post-production, and the entire vibe of the visual style feels very non-Fast & Furious. It just doesn't mesh visually with any of the previous films. Also, and this is a problem I had with the eighth film, too, they never really give a good reason as to why Brian (Paul Walker's character) isn't there. Yes, I understand that Paul Walker is dead in real life, but Brian is 100% still very much alive in-universe, and everything the fans know about who he is as a character knows that he wouldn't be sitting by and allowing this to happen to the people that he loves. In F9, the story of the film allowed a pathway for a very reasonable and believable excuse for his absence, and this film just didn't have it. Fast X also continues the time-honored tradition of this franchise having next to no clue about how to use Mia (Jordana Brewster's character) effectively. She's almost always a part of the top-billed cast, and she's almost always relegated to a glorified cameo appearance. Outside of the first film, 4, 5, and 9 are the only ones that have been able to use Mia effectively (I would like to point out that those are all Lin-directed entries). She's an interesting character, and I'm tired of seeing her get sidelined. All of this on top of the fact the the story of this movie feels a lot like setup for the actual endgame that will happen in the next two films and not like an actual film story in its own right.

However, even with all of that, the movie is still insanely fun, and a lot of this is due to Jason Momoa. The villains in this franchise haven't ever been the strong points of each installment. Most of the time, they're are a template of a stereotypical, hyperbolic bad guy archetype with little personality and next to no motive. Momoa's character, on the other hand, has a motive and more personality than this movie even knows what to do with. He's Marvel's Kingpin mixed with Heath Ledger's Joker à la Fast & Furious and it's a pretty marvelous sight to behold. He injects so much fun and humor into the film that we might have lost otherwise as a result of the central family being split up for the entire film. We get Tyrese's Roman Pierce bringing the comedic relief to his sequences, and in the scenes that focus more on what Vin Diesel's Dominic Toretto is up to, Momoa steps in to pick up the slack (not to mention the pieces of the film following John Cena's Jakob Toretto, who fits like a glove into this franchise). On that note, the segmented nature of this film is handled way better than any time this kind of thing has happened in previous installments. We're following three or four storylines at any given moment in the film, and, for me, it never once felt disjointed. We also get some classic Fast & Furious car-action setpieces (including one truly inspired sequence involving a gigantic bomb rolling its way towards the Vatican) that fully deliver on the promise these movies have set up for the fans. It's not without some heavy issues, but I gotta say, there's something about these movies that is just infectious, and even the worst installments have redeeming qualities that keep me coming back for more.

Score: 7/10

Only in theaters.

Ludacris (Chris Bridges) receives a Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. Ludacris is also a part of the Fast & Furious movie series.

“Every cannibal wants to be a director”: LONG PIGS (Nathan Hynes, Chris Power)

Long Pigs is a 2007 “found footage” movie, in which two desperate filmmakers come across a cannibal, ask him if they can document his eating habits, and then are shocked when he starts killing people and eating them. It is presented as a documentary, with all the usual warnings about graphic scenes etc. Bit silly, and found footage has rather been done to death, but it has some interesting…

View On WordPress

Happy Blessed Birthday to Christopher Brian Bridges, known professionally as Ludacris born September 11, 1977

Fast X Final Trailer

In Fast Five (2011), Dom and the crew took out Hernan Reyes and his drug empire on a bridge in Rio De Janeiro. What they didn’t know is that Reyes’ son Dante witnessed the whole thing and has been plotting his revenge for the past 12 years. 

Fast X stars Vin Diesel, Jason Momoa, Michelle Rodriguez, Leo Abelo Perry, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Jason Statham, John Cena, Scott Eastwood, Helen Mirren, Charlize Theron, Brie Larson, Alan Richtson, Daniela Melchior, and Rita Moreno. Louis Leterrier directs from a script by Justin Lin and Dan Mazeau.

Fast X hits theaters on May 19, 2023.

Fast Five (2011)

You don't need to care about car culture or have seen any of the Fast and Furious movies to enjoy Fast Five. This action-heist film is packed with excitement, great characters, and dialogue so good "poetry" feels like too ordinary a word. It's not often the fifth entry in a franchise is the best but this series continues to defy all expectations.

After rescuing Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) from his prison sentence, Brian (Paul Walker) and Mia (Jordana Brewster) join him in Rio de Janeiro where they run afoul of a ruthless drug lord (Joaquim de Almeida). To get even, the trio assembles a team of experts that can help them steal $100 million from him. Their operation is complicated by Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson), a.U.S. Diplomatic Security Service agent determined to capture the fugitives.

This is a sequel done right. Director Justin Lin retains everyone you liked from before and then gives you more. This is a car-based heist film. Toretto and Brian are the drivers. Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson) is the fast-talker. Tej Parker (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) is the man with the connections. Han Seoul-Oh (Sun Kang) blends in anywhere. Gisele Yashar (Gal Gadot) is the weapons expert. The team is topped with Mia and Leo & Santos (Tego Calderón and Don Omar). We even see the return of Matt Schulze as Vince! Most pictures would struggle to fit so many favorites, plus the introduction of some new ones (We’ll get to Dwayne Johnson in a moment) and a plot into a running time of 106 minutes. This film manages to get them all in there in satisfying amounts.

Written by Chris Morgan (whose portfolio is admittedly mixed) and directed by Justin Lin, this is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure. We’re no longer talking about life being lived a quarter of a mile at a time. Instead, it's long chases where people are crashing through windows and bullets fly. The climax? It’s a race down the streets so awesome you don't care how absurd it becomes. The film is simply too entertaining. The instant it's over, you crave more. I never would’ve expected that little gearhead of a movie directed by Rob Cohen way back in 2001 to evolve into this.

One cannot talk about Fast Five without discussing the Luke Hobbs character. Even when he isn’t standing next to his partner, Rio police officer Elena Neves (Elsa Pataky), he’s a giant of muscle and personality. His lines are gold; one-liners so good most action films would be blessed to have one or two. Make sure you don’t forget a notepad and pencil when popping this beauty into your Blu-ray player so you can write them down.

Fast Five is so much fun, and it’s so unexpectedly entertaining those who didn’t drool over the sleek engines and squealing tires in the previous Fast & Furious movies may want to go back and check if their opinions on them have suddenly changed. Some will try to justify this as a mere guilty pleasure because, if you think about it, this part was a little unbelievable, and then there was that other thing... but don’t. Do not waste your time considering the physics of what takes place. Instead, admire how much bang for your buck you get. Fast Five is well worth your time and likely a new favorite for many. (Theatrical version on Blu-ray, September 15, 2018)

I often wonder what the mood of Thunderbolt would’ve been like if Io were into a different musical scene.

——

“When you hear 00s Hip Hop you know death is coming!”

“Get Back” by Ludacris starts playing

Given how he started his career, as a rapper and then as a star in the Fast and Furious franchise, it would have seemed unlikely to see Chris "Ludacris" Bridges starring in ... a Christmas movie. But that's exactly what is happening now: Bridges is featured alongside Lil Rel Howery in Dashing Through the Snow, Hollywood's latest entry in the long line of "could this truly be the real Santa Claus?" films. Bridges spoke about the role, and said he was excited about the prospect of doing something unexpected.

Dashing Through the Snow is now playing in theaters.

'Fast X' Review

#FastX Review: "The way Dante plans his targets is meticulous, & he constantly surprises the audience. Without Momoa’s flamboyant and over-the-top performance, watching it wouldn’t have been as entertaining. Diesel gives his best performance in the saga."

By: Amanda Guarragi The Fast and Furious franchise has gone on for ten films, and it’s hard to believe it has remained consistent. That doesn’t mean that it has been consistent in quality, but it has delivered a fun cinematic experience. As each film has been released, the stunts and missions have gotten more absurd. Sometimes the franchise can take itself too seriously, but now Fast X…

View On WordPress

End of the Road is like Get Out but funny and family-friendly! The film is just so out of tune or tone. First, you get to see Queen Latifah being dramatic from her husband's death and losing a house. Second, you see Chris Bridges being "ludicrous" and changing the tone a bit. Third, you see Beau Bridges being a boss as a detective. Then, you see some violent deaths, racial issues, and tones quickly shift from drama to thriller to comedy and then back to thriller then to comedy then to drama. Honestly, I had fun in some parts, but yes, the problem is its consistency. Also, I have to disagree with the resolution because the main character lost her integrity and strength which she showed with determination for the whole duration of the film only to be destroyed by the thing that she had difficulty and passionately standing against. End of the Road seems to go nowhere and settles for that dirty place it's trapped in.

End of the Road Review

End of the Road Review

End of the Road Review  Having not grown up with acting skills in her past, Queen Latifah has turned out to be a decent actress. In fact, she started out as a rapper. As it were she’s not the only rapper turned actor. Her career is as varied as Last Holiday to The Equalizer, a reboot of the old tv show from the 80s, and the recent film series starring Denzel Washington. Her latest film, End of…

View On WordPress

Netflix "End of the Road" starring Queen Latifah and Chris Bridges Trailer Debut

Netflix “End of the Road” starring Queen Latifah and Chris Bridges Trailer Debut

A brand new action thriller in End of the Road is coming to Netflix on September 9th and we have all the details for your today. Film Release Date: September 9 Directed By: Millicent SheltonWritten By: Christopher J. Moore and David LougheryCast: Queen Latifah, Chris Bridges, Mychala Faith Lee, Shaun Dixon, Frances Lee McCain, with Beau BridgesSynopsis: In this high-octane action thriller, a…

View On WordPress

“Something big is coming, dudes. If I were you, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“You know that’s too cryptic to air, right?”

“Then you do the teaser, Mr. Know-it-All!”

“Fine by me.

“Last season, on Total Drama Island…

“Sixteen teens battled for another shot at a million dollars, after Priya took home the season one prize. After a few torturous weeks, it was Wayne, Julia and Caleb against one another in a gruesome finale. Wayne got punted into the sun and was gone for good, until, in a shocking twist of events, he smashed the finish target - literally. Wayne thus became the second winner of Total Drama Revived.

“Now, with new grudges to hold and more hatred to come, twelve of these sixteen teenagers will be back for another few summer weeks at our camp… And they won’t be alone—”

“Because we’re bringing back twelve contestants of the first ever Total Drama Island generation! That’s right, big news here for the fans of TDI! Your favourites have a chance of returning to compete for not a hundred thousand, not even a million, but this time, two whole million dollars, in the biggest and most excruciating Total Drama Island season yet!

“Our challenges will vary from totally new to totally old – I’ll introduce new challenges, as per any season, but bring back some from the first generation and the fourth one. The adults may get kicked out because of the latter, and the kiddos may not be as strong when it comes to the original challenges.

“Besides, to ensure they have even worse chances, there will be three teams, shuffled in a way that almost nobody has an advantage… Almost. Because where’s the fun in making everyone equally powerless?

“Sounds fun? Exciting? Incredible?! You’re going to want to tune in right here for the tenth season of Total Drama Island sometime soon!”

“Wait, we don’t have a set date?”

“Dude, we don’t even know if all the adults we asked to come are gonna show up. Of course we don’t!”

“You really oughta start planning these things better, man…”

“Forget it, okay? Anyway… I’m your host, Chris McLane…”

“And I’m your co-host, Chef Hatchet…”

“And this is...”

Total Drama: The Bridge Between Generations!

coming soon to an AO3 near you.

questions, concerns, suggestions to be deposited in the ask box.

TD: TBBG is written by @canonically47. the blog is entirely run by the writer.

Life is Strange hire me to draw comics I beg u. Anyway here is a character sheet for my version of older Daniel for my Bridges AU which is canon compliant and takes place after the redemption/parting ways ending! My LISBridges Playlist here!

End of the Road Trailer

A mother of two and her brother are relocating across country when they witness a murder. To make matters worse, it appears that her brother has decided to steal from said murderer who will stop at nothing to get his money back.

End of the Road stars Queen Latifah, Chris Bridges, Beau Bridges, Mychala Faith Lee, Shaun Dixon, and Frances Lee McCain. Millicent Shelton directs. The screenplay is by David Loughery, created from the original draft by Christopher Moore.

End of the Road hits Netflix on September 9, 2022.

Fast X was amazing. I know everyone likes to hate on the fast and furious movies, so do I, but this one redeemed the franchise from what happened in the 9th movie. Were there stupid, over dramatic, absolutely impossible things happening? Absolutely. Was it still so good and actually a fast and furious movie? Absolutely. I loved it so fucking much