Rating of
2.5/4
Fourth Times the Charm
Chris Kavan - wrote on 04/05/09
Although still not as good as the original, the fourth installment of the Fast and Furious series makes up for the misguided third film and even betters the second.
This is a guy's movie all the way - fast cars, half-naked women (sometimes making out), action galore and the right touch of humor. Better yet, the story is not only coherent, it manages to throw in a decent show of emotion. This is the movie that guys will drag their girlfriends to in order to make up for Sex and the City.
Besides the decent enough story, the main thing the movie has going for it is that the principle cast has joined us once again. While Paul Walker isn't the most exciting actor around, he's still a welcome return. Vin Diesel still plays the brooding anti-hero to perfection. Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez also return.
The bad guy are typical - though they try to throw a slight twist that most people will see coming anyway. Most of them sneer and look menacing, but mostly they make you wonder how they're going to end up dead by the end of the movie.
The special effects are great - the opening scene with a gas tanker sets the tone for excitement and it never disappoints. The car races and chases are still amazing (and will make one weep when a premium car it completely destroyed). This is what most people come to see, and it delivers.
This is not a high-brow film. It won't win any awards or make any critics top-10 list, but I can guarantee it will make money, will entertain you and leave the door wide open for a faster and more furious fifth movie.
