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‘F9: The Fast Saga’ Review – Insanely Over The Top and Completely Out of this World… Literally

By Dom Fisher
June 26, 2021
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Synopsis:

No matter how fast you are, no one outruns their past. Dom Toretto is leading a quiet life off the grid with Letty and his son, little Brian, but they know that danger always lurks just over their peaceful horizon. This time, that threat will force Dom to confront the sins of his past if he’s going to save those he loves most. His crew joins together to stop a world-shattering plot led by the most skilled assassin and high-performance driver they’ve ever encountered: a man who also happens to be Dom’s forsaken brother, Jakob.

Family is forever. Whether family by blood or by choice, they are the most important thing in life. When times aren’t going quite as you’d planned, they are there for support, encouragement, and guidance. But what happens when you and your family are at odds? What if their infraction is unforgivable? Can you find some way to mend the relationship or do hold a grudge indefinitely? It’s a decision that has no definitive right answer, it’s up to you. But again, at the end of the day, family is forever.

“… How are you still alive?”

Anything goes in the Fast Universe as we’ve seen in past films and this new addition is no different. Justin Lin’s F9: The Fast Saga is insanely over the top and completely out of this world… literally. The film is action-packed, destruction-filled, and at times laughably unbelievable. Fortunately, it’s what we’ve come to expect from this franchise and I don’t think we’d want it any other way. However, there are a few moments where no one should have survived, but let’s be real, every character in these films should have a tombstone. Luckily, the film knows itself a pokes fun at the fact that they are seemingly invincible. This ninth entry is where the other eight converge and the NOS tanks are wide open. The theme of family is fiercely present, as always, and is the anchor of the film. The story gets crazier than ever, there are tons of cameos, and Han is still alive somehow. Everything has an explanation leading me to believe that no one in this universe is ever truly dead. Speaking of cameos, one of your favorite rappers makes an appearance as well as a UFC champion. Now, I know Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson have beef, but Vin goes full Incredible Rock in multiple scenes like he never has before. I guess he has to be able to match John Cena somehow.

We finally visually get the Toretto family backstory and a look at the old crew in their formation that is rather enjoyable. My favorite part f the film is the hilarious chemistry between Tej (Ludacris), Roman (Tyrese), and Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel). It actually feels as if they’re in a different movie at times. Subsequently, there are plenty of things you can question or pick apart but the nature of these movies is to suspend reality, have fun, and just enjoy the ride. It may not be the best in the decades-long saga, but there is still more to come. The soundtrack is bangin’, the stunts are gigantic, and Charlize Theron’s hairdo reminds me of sixth-grade classmates. Oh, and yes, the space rumors are true. F9: The Fast Saga is a great escape. If you enjoy the others, you’ll enjoy this one as well. Its rewatchability is medium-high. I almost forgot, there is a mid-credit scene so don’t vroom vroom too fast.

Pacing & Pop

They know what we wanted to see. The film starts very fast and really only slowed down for flashbacks. What popped for me was Cipher (Charlize Theron). There’s a maniacal confidence that makes her character so diabolical.

Characters & Chemistry

You know these characters by now, the chemistry has been there for years. However, with each film Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges and Tyrese show and prove why they need some type of spinoff as Tej and Roman. And once Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) was thrown into the mix, they became the reason I keep coming back. With Charlize Theron being the most decorated of the cast, she continues to bring a not so ridiculous layer to the franchise as Cipher (except for the hairdos). John Cena continues to thrive as an actor and I enjoyed him as Jakob. He’s just as driven as Dom but the mountain size chip he has on his shoulder makes him very dangerous. It’s honestly weird to see him in a non-comedic role. Vin Diesel as Dom seemed to have stepped his drama game up which made for some intense moments. Michelle Rodriguez is as badass as she’s ever been as Letty. And as I said previously, Han (Sung Kang) is back!

F9: The Fast Saga releases in theaters on June 25, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.