GUY Movie Review

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker are set to return to the big screen following the success of Fast & Furious, the latest of the F&F movie franchise. According to sources, the next installment will be called Fast Five, and will follow the two as they are chased by “relentless lawmen.” Diesel is stating that the script would actually set up two sequels, not just one. This is extremely surprising to me as I thought Diesel and Walker had potential Oscar-winning roles lined up – sike.

I’ll admit the first movie was original in trying to capture the flamboyant and outrageous racing culture of the time. However, they pushed it a little too far in the sequel where they should have backed up and developed a more compelling story. The third, Tokyo Drift, was a little more refreshing as we saw new characters in a different environment (Japan, where modifications and street racing has its true home). The fourth? Well, it broke April theater records so someone must be hurting for more quarter mile thrills. Fans of street racing will continue to support the franchise, but they deserve better.

Fast & Furious Reboot

We’ve seen many Hollywood films rebooted, so why not this one? Well, it’s only because Vin Diesel still sells tickets. But once that’s over, this is a property that I think could still be developed to success in the right way. Get rid of the NOS, get rid of the cheap girl scenes and focus on the racing.

As a car enthusiast, my heart goes out to those looking for a respectable racing film. Focus on the characters, get real cars and make sure they’re not flying off ramps and collapsing bridges. Talk about the technical aspects of building race cars and hire a damn consultant who understands cars.

How I’d Do It

Get Vin Diesel a respectable antagonist, not a brawny tough guy like he is, but someone who challenges him where he should be challenged: on the road course. The antagonist drives much better than Diesel, and he soon learns that he has to refine his technique rather than trying to outpower him. It’s a good first step, and we could see it as a kind of reboot where Diesel learns to drive again.

Good or bad idea, it doesn’t matter. When it comes to Hollywood the executives will be saying the same thing – fast cars and faster women. It might sell tickets for a few more shows, but it will never become an iconic franchise for the right reasons.

The Fast and the Furious

Do you live your life a quarter mile at a time?

[source: Aint It Cool]