Fast and Furious

The original cast of the first film are back for this fourth sequel, with more high speed action than ever before.

Directed by Justin Lin, out on April 10th, starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, John Ortiz, 107 mins.

In a nutshell.

Sexy action-packed auto thriller.

What's it all about?

For those who can remember the first film, Brian (Walker) is back as the confused Fed, torn between his job and his high-speed desires. While he is working to bring down notorious heroin dealer, Campos (Ortiz), Brian crosses paths with old 'friend' Dom (Diesel), who is also seeking revenge with Campos.

As the two struggle to work alongside each other for the same ends, they filter into Campos' circle, taking them on a high-speed race across the border into Mexico. Along their journey, Brian is faced with ex-lover, and Dom's sister, Mia (Brewster), as well as uncovering what happened to Dom's childhood sweetheart, feisty Latino motor head Letty (Rodriguez).

Who's in it?

Movie hard-man Diesel is probably the most famous face among the cast, with Saving Private Ryan and the Chronicles of Riddick to his name; and having not appeared in the last two films, he will no doubt be the main draw for many die-hard fans.

This is the third of the films for Walker, who gave the last one a miss. Probably best known for the F and F films, Walker has also appeared in She's All That and Varsity Blues.

Rodriguez is also back for the film, although not for long, after spending the last few years playing Ana-Lucia in hit series Lost.

Justin Ling, the film's director, has also returned, after directing the previous film The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.

As an example.

"I don't know about your other drivers, but when I see flashing lights in my mirror I don't stop." - Dom

Likelihood of a trip to the Oscars

Naturally I would have said no way, but given the recent box office success of the movie in the States, there's always a possibility. The audience seemed to enjoy it, but that probably had more to do with the nature of the crowd I was watching the film with, rather than the success of the film per se.

As none of the other three F and F films have managed to secure any sort of cinematic accolade, I very much doubt this one will be the first.

But for the cult fan, or for those who have seen the first film, this one is definitely worth a watch.

So is it any good?

The best advice I can give to anyone going to watch this film is don't have any pre-conceptions, it certainly did well to dispel mine. This film is in no way the same as the last two, and if you enjoyed the first one and was disappointed with its sequels, number four could do much to restore your faith.

While the storyline hangs on the fact the original cast are back to pull in the crowds, the start-to-finish action keeps them firmly rooted to their seats; and as if to prove that, the film took an astonishing £46.8 million in the US in its first weekend.

Highlights for me were certainly the soundtrack, which was excellently compiled to feature a strong reggaeton direction, and excellently suited to the film.

Don't expect Dom to be any less butch, or Brian to be any less cheesy; but let's face it, if they weren't it wouldn't be a Fast and Furious film.

Watch out for Dom's coolly-delivered one-liners; they just keep coming.

8/10

Sarah Garrod