Those Thrilling Days of Yesteryear..."xXx: The Return of Xander Cage"

xXx: The Return of Xander Cage (2017)

Rated PG-13

Starring Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen, Deepika Padukone, Kris Wu, Ruby Rose, Tony Jaa, Toni Collette, Samuel L. Jackson,

Directed by D.J. Caruso

The Story:

When Augustus Gibbons (Jackson) is killed, the government seeks out Xander Cage (Diesel) to retrieve 'Pandora's Box'. The problem, he's not the only one looking for the device, and Cage will be going head to head with Xiang (Yen) to retrieve the box and all the secrets it holds. Does Xander still have what it takes to be part of the xXx program?

What?

You weren't clamoring for a sequel 15 years after the original xXx movie?

Well, it's only been 12, if you count the sequel that Diesel had no part of, but had Ice Cube as the lead agent.

Now if you've seen either, or both of those, then you know exactly what you're going to see here, and you shouldn't walk away disappointed.

Unless you disliked either, or both of those, but then, why would you be renting this one?  In the hopes it got better with age?

Pfft.

The stunts are fun. The action is good.

I had no problem with this movie at all.

While it won't generate on my best of the year list, it was enjoyable and I would watch it again downt he road.

I'll take popcorn movies like this nearly any day of the week.

Final Grade:  B-

I Will Be Your Father Figure..."Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2"

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 (2017)

Rated PG-13

Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Kurt Russell, Michael Rooker, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff,

Written and Directed by James Gunn

The Story:

The Guardians of the Galaxy are back! In the months that have passed, the group of travelers have started to become a family, or at least that's what you would assume from all the bickering. However with the arrival of Peter's (Pratt) dad, Ego (Russell), everyone is about to learn the secret behind their family heritage. That's assuming the Guardians live long enough to find out, as a bounty is put on their heads that sends Yondu (Rooker) and the Ravagers looking for them.

There, hopefully that doesn't give anything away that you haven't already gleaned from the trailers.

Here's the bottom line:

Did you like the first Guardians of the Galaxy?

Then you're probably going to like this one.

Is it better?

Probably not.

Sequels rarely are.

The first one was simply...wow...they're doing this...they're doing that....

It was this generation's Star Wars.

So now we've seen all the wows, as we've been introduced to Marvel Studios space side.

That said, this is a worthy successor to the franchise, and doesn't have any significant drop off in quality. Like I said, we now know all the characters, so there is a lot less exposition this go round in bringing the team together.

This becomes catching up with old friends who have settled in to be family.

Even if they haven't figured out they are family yet.

The laughs flow freely.

Baby Groot is adorable.

Drax continues to steal every scene he is in.

The soundtrack fits perfectly.

And you might even have an occasion or two to need tissues.

:)

Your mileage may vary.

Final Grade: A

When Is A Superhero Movie Not A Superhero Movie..."The Fate of the Furious"

The Fate of the Furious (2017)

Rated PG-13

Starring Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Charlize Theron, Kurt Russell,

Directed by F. Gary Gray

The Story:

You've seen the trailers.  Dom (Diesel) has turned his back on his team, his family. Now it's time to finally find out why.

If you've been there for the first 7 installments, you'll have no problem transitioning into the final trilogy of the Fast and Furious saga.

Yep, Vin's got plans to make 2 more, 10 total, to conclude a little street racing saga that has grown bigger and more popular with the passing of each year and each installment.

Especially once they infused the cast with new blood and new thrills starting with Fast Five and the reassembling of the largest cast pitted against Special Agent Luke Hobbs (Johnson) as the only guy who could take them down.

With each passing chapter, the stakes have gotten higher and the stunts more elaborate.

And yes, it's the 2nd greatest superhero universe, right behind Marvel.

Suck it DC.

: )

Now if you don't like these movies, and I can't even fathom that prospect in all sincerity, then this movie isn't for you.

The only thing missing is Paul Walker, but there's nothing that you can do about that. He shared his vision with Vin Diesel, and they're honoring that memory as best they can.

Enjoy the ride, it's a lot of fun.

Final Grade: B+

Incorrect Title For The Start Of A Franchise... "The Last Witch Hunter"

The Last Witch Hunter (2015)

Rated PG-13

Starring Vin Diesel, Michael Caine, Elijah Wood, Rose Leslie, Julie Engelbrecht

Directed by Breck Eisner

The Story:

Kaulder (Diesel) led his men on a quest to kill the Witch Queen (Englebrecht) during the Dark Ages. With her dying breath, she granted Kaulder immortality so that he would be forever apart from his wife and children in the afterlife. Centuries later, there is a truce among the witches and humanity and Kaulder is the agent that hunts down rogue witches who would do evil and banishes them to a prison run by the witch council. But when his Dolan, # 36 (Caine) is attacked, Kaulder enlists # 37 (Wood) and a reluctant witch (Leslie) to help him save #36's life and stop the resurrection of the Witch Queen before it's too late.

It's nothing spectacular, but it's kind of fun.

Vin Diesel brings forth the beginning of another possible franchise and I already like this one more than the Riddick movies.

It seems to follow in the similar footsteps of The Brothers Grimm and Van Helsing, but takes the events more seriously than either of those films did.

That's not to say there isn't humor or a little heart to be found in the proceedings.

This time, instead of the usual vampires or supernatural monsters of the night, the focus turns to witches.

The movie will flash back to Kaulder's events centuries earlier, and even a few flash forwards to show what the world might be like if the Witch Queen isn't stopped.

Witches have been on the short end of the supernatural stick for some time, losing favor to the vampires and werewolves over the years, but this movie does a good job of showing what a formidable character witches can be.

It's a step in the right direction, and much better than watching sparkly vampires in love.

Final Grade: C+

Bittersweet Farewell... "Furious 7"

Furious 7 (2015)

Rated PG-13

Starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Kurt Russell, Sung Kang,

Directed by James Wan

The Story:

Deckard Shaw (Statham) is pretty upset about what Dom (Diesel) and his guys did to his little brother in the last film. So he begins his revenge, first by killing Han (Kang), putting Hobbs (Johnson) in the hospital, and then targeting the rest of the family for extinction. With a little help from the Feds (Russell), Dom assembles the crew for one last ride to stop Shaw and save themselves.

Well, that was a bit anti-climatic.

Justin Lin steps away from the franchise, and the film feels like it loses a little something in the process.

Or, it's the giant elephant in the room of losing Paul Walker mid-filming that hangs over this seventh installment in what is quickly becoming the most entertaining non-superhero, superhero franchise of them all.

A lot of things get thrown at, and through, walls this go round to see what sticks.

If you've been along for the entire ride, you'll be mostly satisfied. If you're starting from the ground up here, you might be in over your head.

Personally, I would have liked to have seen more of Hobbs, but that's purely selfish.

Just give him his own franchise already.

:)

I would also have to commend Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris for putting a lot of the fun moments into the film. Gibson, especially, as Roman brings the laughter, even when you know it's going to be funny, somehow his delivery or actions make it even better.

Everything is different now, but that's okay.

The Furious Franchise is all about family.

Families change over time, but they are still family at the end of the day.

So too are the fans.

Can't wait to see what happens in Furious 8.

Final Grade: B+

Simply Put...THE Best Movie of 2014! "Guardians Of The Galaxy"

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

PG-13

Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper,

Written and Directed by James Gunn

The Story:

Marvel Studios heads into space with a tale of a band of ne'er do-wells led by Star-Lord (Pratt) who teams with Gamora (Saldana) Drax (Bautista) Groot (Diesel) and Rocket (Cooper) in an attempt to save the very universe that considers them to be outlaws.  But heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and these Guardians of the Galaxy are about to prove to be every bit as worthy as The Avengers.

Borrowed from my synopsis that I wrote for the movie review when I saw it in theaters.

It was impressive then.

It was a trip into space for Marvel that basically brought the thrill of Star Wars to a generation that grew up on it when it first came out, and it made us kids again.

The acting was superb.

James Gunn is fantastic (and if you want a lot of fun, follow him on Facebook!) and as enthusiastic of an ambassador to the Marvel Universe as you're going to get.

If you don't like science fiction...
If you don't like comic book movies...

I ask that you give this one a try.

Your opinion might change on both fronts.

I've yet to meet anyone out there that saw it and didn't like it.

I'm sure they exist, but I'm not sure I want to know that person.

They are probably dead on the inside.

:)

Final Grade: A+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: One of the only things I wanted for Christmas, it will be enjoyed often over the next few years. 

A Star-Lord Is Born... "Guardians Of The Galaxy"

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Rated PG-13

Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Lee Pace

Written and Directed by James Gunn

The Story:

Marvel Studios heads into space with a tale of a band of ne'er do-wells led by Star-Lord (Pratt) who teams with Gamora (Saldana) Drax (Bautista) Groot (Diesel) and Rocket (Cooper) in an attempt to save the very universe that considers them to be outlaws.  But heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and these Guardians of the Galaxy are about to prove to be every bit as worthy as The Avengers.

Mostly.

What to say about this film without completely echoing every other critic out there, and without revealing any spoilers?

Let's try...

This is THE Star Wars experience for the 7-12 year olds that we got to experience back in the 70s.
Not those terrible prequels that came a generation later... ick.
:)

Chris Pratt cements his claim to leading man/action hero/everyman action guy.  In other words, if he so chooses, he could be the next big thing.  His Star-Lord is equal parts Indiana Jones and John McClane, and everyman hero who can take a beating but keeps coming back for more.

Vin Diesel steals the movie out from under his co-stars with but three words...and one of the most expressive facial and body language you'll ever enjoy in a film.

You think he nailed it in Iron Giant?  Wait until you catch his Groot!

Cooper instills Rocket with equal parts cockiness, snarky, charm, agression with a hint of heart.  You want the mascot duo?  Look no further.

These guys are the C-3P0/R2D2 combo, except, they're a lot more relevant.

:)

Dave Bautista is given some great dialogue which he delivers perfectly.  He got the role of a lifetime, and I'm very happy to see him up on the screen.

Zoe Saldana proves that she's not a one-trick pony, put her in any franchise and she will deliver.

Lee Pace almost unrecognizable from Ned in Pushing Daisies, and he played Ronan the Accuser without mercy, a total change from what I was used to.  Well done.

James Gunn, he wrote it, he directed it, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe is all the better for it.

I rolled my eyes and wondered what Marvel was thinking when this movie was announced.

I humbly apologize.

This is what they were thinking, and I cannot wait to see how they follow it up in 2017, or perhaps a cameo elsewhere before then.

Bravo everyone.

I'm not sure if I will give this the edge over Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

But so far, it's Marvel running 1-2 for movie of the year.

That's impressive, and I can't wait to see what comes next.

I've got until December to make that decision.


A word of warning from some of my kids:  You might want to bring a tissue along, just in case.


There's some moments in the film that will touch you beyond what you're expecting from a comic book movie.


That's James Gunn and his cast bringing an awful lot of heart to a film that is going to make you feel like a kid again before the credits roll.


They put the tagline "You're Welcome" on the poster months ago.

It wasn't cocky, it was a response to everyone who is now saying "Thank You" for making such a great movie.

Final Grade: A

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I'll be buying it, I hope it's out just in time for the holidays.  Loved it.

The Right Manny For The Job... "The Pacifier"

The Pacifier (2005)

Rated PG

Starring Vin Diesel, Lauren Graham, Faith Ford, Brittany Snow, Max Thieriot, Carol Kane, Morgan York, Kegan & Logan Hoover

Directed by Adam Shankman

The Story:

Navy SEAL Shane Wolf (Diesel) is reassigned to protect the family of a scientist who died.  While the mom (Ford) goes with the Navy to attempt to find out what her husband left behind, Shane must babysit the kids (Snow, Thieriot, York and Hoover).  Naturally, his way of doing things, and the way the kids think things should be done are at odds.  However, bad guys are lurking and if the kids and Shane don't kill each other first, the bad guys might take them all out.

It's Uncle Buck meets Under Siege.

Actually, that's a pretty good description.

Vin Diesel struck out into family friendly territory with The Pacifier.
Much like The Rock, Disney took an action star and tried to turn him into a family friendly movie star.

In both cases, it pretty much worked.

Now, you can dislike this film (or any of the Rock's) all you want, but Disney succeeded with what they set out to do.

That the Tooth Fairy and The Pacifier teamed up in Fast Five for one of the most successful movies in the Fast & Furious franchise?

Full circle.

:)

I like films like this that allow action stars to broaden their career into comedy.  It's one of the muscles they usually only get to flex with a quick one-liner or a sarcastic dispatching of a villain.

If you can pull off broad, family friendly slapstick and walk away with your career intact, you're going to be somebody.

It doesn't hurt if you've got the charisma of Vin Diesel or Dwayne Johnson though.

:)

Final Grade: B+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Harmless fun for the whole family.  The kids love it, and it's an enjoyable film to revisit every so often.

Third Time's The Charm... "Riddick"

Riddick (2013)
Rated R for language, violence and nudity

Starring: Vin Diesel, Jordi Molla, Matt Nable, Katee Sackhoff, Dave Bautista

Directed by David Twohy

The Story:

Riddick (Diesel) is left for dead on an unknown planet.  Far from dead, he heals and finds a remote outpost and sends a signal that is picked up by bounty hunters looking to collect on the reward for bringing in Riddick dead or alive.  Santana (Molla) and his crew arrive first, followed by another group led by Boss Johns (Nable) who is the father of the pilot on a previous ship that Riddick was on.  He wants answers first, then revenge.  Riddick wants off the planet and gives them a choice: give him a ship or die.

You can probably tell which option they chose.

Put me in the category of "meh" for Pitch Black and the Chronicles of Riddick.  They were okay, but nothing that I absolutely loved.

Vin Diesel, however, vehemently disagrees with that assessment.

So much so, that one of the conditions on getting him back into the Fast and Furious franchise was that he wanted to get the rights to Riddick.

Universal relented, and has more than made up for it with the last 3 installments of The Fast and Furious each being more successful than the previous.

Meanwhile, Diesel and Twohy decided to make a rated R movie on a much, much smaller budget.  That way even a moderate success at the box office would pay big dividends as opposed to the Chronicles of Riddick movie that had over a $100 million dollar budget and didn't fare so hot.

Smart move.

Aside from a bit of a slow build, this was probably my favorite of the 3 movies.  Once the action gets started, it doesn't really let up, and Riddick almost takes on a horror film as he makes his way through the crews of both ships.

I almost wonder if I should revisit the  first 2 installments again and see how the whole saga plays out.

Maybe someday...

Final Grade: C+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: If you've enjoyed the franchise before, you should really like this third installment.

Need For Speed Weekend "Fast and Furious 6"

Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
Rated PG-13 - Language, violence, car crashes galore!

Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson

Directed by Justin Lin

The Story:

Owen Shaw (Luke Evans) is an evil man.  His band of car terrorists are robbing military convoys to obtain parts that could destroy a country.  Agent Hobbs (Johnson) realizes he needs to fight fire with fire, so he recruits Dom (Diesel) to reassemble the crew to help him take down Shaw's gang.  The kicker?  It appears that Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) is alive and working with Shaw.  With their crew reassembled for one more run, Brian (Walker) asks for one thing: full pardons for everyone.  Hobbs relents, and the game is on!

Buckle up!


One of my Top 10 Films of 2013 (Best Films of 2013) holds up as well, possibly even better on a repeated viewing at home.

If You Can't Beat Them... Join Them in the Sequel!

The bar that was elevated with the 5th film is possibly surpassed ever so slightly with this 6th installment of the Fast and Furious franchise.

The heist elements are still there, though to a lesser extent as now the team is working on the side of The Man, though they are still willing to bend as many laws and rules as possible to get the job done.

Lin returns to helm his final installment of the series, and he goes out with a bang.  A lot of bangs.

I Believe I Can Fly...

He amps up the  car chase from 5 with a tank chase in this movie.  It's amazingly destructive and just an adrenaline rush to watch.

All of the players are given ample opportunity to shine, and that's saying something for a cast this size.

Aside from the obvious chemistry that Diesel and Walker have accumulated over the life of the franchise, it's always  hilarious whenever Roman (Tyrese Gibson) and Tej (Ludacris) share some screen time.


The only flaw from the film, aside from the Rock's disappearing and reappearing goatee... ;)  is the massive, 800 mile runway at the end of the film.

Just Sayin'...

Suspend your disbelief (like you haven't already with this franchise) and it won't bother you too much.

Finally, for those that like to turn off a movie as soon as it is over, sit through the credits for about a minute.

There is a scene for the setup of Fast 7.

It also shows you that Tokyo Drift is really Fast & Furious 6.5, not 3.

Also, kudos to Universal for however they did it, whether it was scrapping the initial release and redoing all of the discs or what they did, but they included a beautiful tribute to Paul Walker that is really a nice recap of the franchise, focused on Walker's involvement.

It's still hard to believe he's gone, or how emotional that made me, and I would assume other Fast & Furious fans.

As I mentioned in my In Memoriam post about Walker, fans feel strongly when celebrities pass because next to family, friends or co-workers, these actors, musicians, authors, etc. bring us together as a collective audience.  Any friends of mine who enjoyed this franchise will mourn what could have been with 7 or beyond.

Heck, I've let the entire family gather around and watch this franchise at home with Dad, so we've lost someone that's been in a lot of movies the family has enjoyed for the last 13 years.

So thank you Paul Walker for the fun body of work that you've left for us to enjoy.
You will be missed.

And thank you Universal for the Fast and Furious franchise.  What started as a movie focused on street racing has blossomed into a wonderful franchise that has simply gotten better every time a new one comes out.

That's impressive.

Checked last year's review (Fast 6 Theater Review) and the film gets a slight bump between theater and DVD release.

Final Grade: A

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor:   Without a doubt, in fact it was under the tree for Christmas, so I'm quite the happy guy! ;)

You Will Believe A Lot of Things Can Fly... "Fast and Furious 6"

It's always been about family...

The Story:

The gang is enjoying their lives of luxury, when Agent Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) comes calling to enlist Dom (Vin Diesel) and the crew to help take down Owen Shaw (Luke Evans).  It seems that Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) isn't as dead as everyone thought, and she's working for Shaw to steal some military technology.  Brian (Paul Walker) says that they'll help catch Shaw and save Letty... if they can get full pardons and get their lives back.

The little franchise that could.

For those that have never seen one, the opening credits pretty much catch you up on everything you need to know.

For those of us that have been around since the beginning, this movie is as satisfying as Fast Five had been.

Plus, my long-standing question of how did Han survive Tokyo Drift gets answered. 

The correct order for viewing the franchise is now: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 3, 7... coming to theaters next summer!?!

As for the movie itself, there are two moments that require a suspension of disbelief.  Diesel going Superman on the bridge... and the world's longest runway...

Other than that, Justin Lin goes out with a bang for the series.  Hopefully the new director keeps up Lin's vision and keeps the series both exciting and fun a the same time.

Fast Seven is set up, thanks to an ingenious flashback to Tokyo Drift.  While it's sad to see Han truly go... I've got to admit I'm really excited for the next installment.

Now playing in theaters near you this weekend...

Final Grade: A-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Oh yeah, I'm all over this one when it comes to DVD! : )

The Best One Yet... "Fast Five"

What a Rush!

The Story:

After O'Conner (Paul Walker) and Mia (Jordana Brewster) break Dom (Vin Diesel) from the clutches of the man, they hightail it to Rio.  Needing to make some money, they attempt to swipe some cars from the DEA.  Whoops.  Turns out one of those cars belongs to the Kingpin of all Rio (Joaquim de Almeida) and he wants his car back.  Since escaping justice is a bad thing, the United States sends the biggest, baddest agent, Luke Hobbs (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) to Rio to find the boys.  The guys decide to go for one last score, and then disappear forever.  To do that, they're going to need some help.  And who better to help than everyone that was in the first 4 movies?

Yes indeed, they bring them back: Roman and Tej (Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris from 2 Fast), Han (Sung Kang from Tokyo Drift)... but didn't he die?  They never do explain this one.  Glad he's back though.  I've heard rumors that Tokyo Drift is supposed to take place after everything that happens in these films.  Meh... I'll just assume Han got out alive. : )

Justin Lin puts his stamp on the franchise with the biggest, loudest, and best part of the franchise to date.

Bringing back all of the components from each of the films is a clever and welcome touch.  Gives plenty of screen time to catch up on the characters and see how they've changed, or not changed over the years.

After all, this marked a decade of franchise-ability for The Fast and the Furious.  I don't think it was their intention to make a tent pole franchise when they started, but they have one now.  And this one actually unfolds as if they had been plotting it this way since the very beginning.

That's pretty impressive for a movie about street racing.

Oh, and kids, don't try street racing at home!

The Rock and Diesel squaring off makes for an energetic fight sequence in the middle of the movie.

I will also go on record that the final car chase sequence is most likely my favorite car chase in this franchise, or in just about any other movie for that matter.

This one transcends the other films in the franchise by adding the heist element, and as I've gone on record many times, I love me a good heist flick!

And stick around after the credits as they set up the sequel for Part 6...in theaters NOW!

Final Grade: A-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Infinite.  Really enjoyed watching this one again.  Impossible not to enjoy this film.

It's Like Deja Vu... "Fast and Furious"!!

Because "the's" are irrelevant at this point...

The Story:

FBI Agent Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) has to infiltrate a smuggling operation.  Lo and behold, an old friend named Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) is attempting to get in to get revenge for the death of his girlfriend Letty (Michelle Rodriguez).

Buckle up!

It's like they never left...

Bringing back director Justin Lin, this episode works as a prequel/sequel of sorts.  What happened after the events of the first and before the third, and then what happened next.

This includes a great cameo from Han (Sung Kang) from Tokyo Drift, and it plays nicely with the 8 years real time that had elapsed between the first installment and the latest.

Forget high school crushes, we are back to evil people using street racers to commit nefarious deeds, and the guys that are going to work their butts off to bring them down.

Naturally, there is distrust between Dom and Brian, and Mia (Jordana Brewster) when the gang gets back together shortly after Letty's funeral.  And imagine Dom's frustrations when he learns that Letty turned informant for the FBI before she was killed.

Sit back, enjoy the action, and then watch as they finally set up that yes, this is a franchise to be reckoned with, and they leave the movie on a great cliffhanger.

Final Grade: B+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Very much so, if I splurge for a Blu Ray upgrade to get 2 & 3, otherwise, I already own this one.

Is It Possible 2 B "2 Fast 2 Furious" ? Anything Is Possible

Paul Walker is taking his talents to South Beach...

The Story:

Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) is living in Miami, trying to make ends meet as a street racer.  It seems his last steady gig ended when he made a decision that cost him his job.  Now presented with an opportunity at redemption, O'Conner must again go undercover to help nail a drug lord (Cole Hauser).  However, he's going to need a partner, so he enlists the aid of childhood pal Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson) to help him make the runs.  However, once again, O'Conner falls for a woman (Eva Mendes) and jeopardizes everything.

Won't he ever learn?

Well, they certainly missed having the charisma of Vin Diesel for this one.

That said, it's not too terribly bad.  It's simply different from the first one.

Different city, different supporting characters, including Ludacris as the local garage owner and guy that helps get Brian some racing gigs.  They were clever in bringing back Thom Barry as Agent Bilkins to help tie this installment to the first film.

John Singleton takes overs the director's chair, and this too is his only outing with the franchise.

He decided that his next film would be the underrated and enjoyable Four Brothers, and he would take the film's "true star"... Tyrese Gibson with him to make that one.

Poor Paul Walker, the guy gets no love!

: )

Oh well, I'm sure he'll happily sign up if they have another Fast and Furious sequel, right?

Final Grade: B


Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Amazingly, I don't have this one.  I will have to correct that mistake in the near future.

Travel Back to Those Thrilling Days of Yesteryear..."The Fast and the Furious"

Vroom Vroom!

The Story:

Undercover cop Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) attempts to infiltrate the street racing scene to get close to Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his gang.  It seems there have been some hijackings using street racing cars, and Brian needs to see if it's Toretto's group or someone else.  Naturally, it's not easy, and it's even harder when he falls in love with Dom's sister (Jordana Brewster).  What's an undercover cop to do?

A warning:

Kids, don't try this at home.  These are professional stunts on closed roads with professional drivers.

This warning will accompany the DVD release of this film, because apparently the American public are sheep and will mimic whatever they see in theaters.

: /

Anyhow, this is a fun picture to watch.  Pure popcorn movie with some excellent stuntwork and driving scenes throughout the film.  The world was a kinder, gentler place in 2001 when this hit the theaters that summer.

This probably cemented the course of stardom for both Walker and Diesel.  They had each worked on some films before, but I think this film serves as the coming out party for both that they were going to be around for a while.  Each have had varying degrees of success over the the next decade, but this film was a great lightning rod for the both of them.

Directed by Rob Cohen, he would be around the franchise (who knew it would be a franchise at the time?) for one film.

He knew a good thing when he had it though, and targeted the "star of the film", Vin Diesel for a film of his very own: xXx.

Walker would have to settle for a Fast and Furious sequel.

More on that....tomorrow!

Final Grade: B+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I already own it, and have now introduced it to the whole family.  It was well received.