Susan Granger’s review of “THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS” (Universal Pictures)
There’s a street racing subculture, a tribal alternative to gang membership, that permeates some industrial communities. Couple that with the story of an undercover cop (Paul Walker) who infiltrates a drag-racing posse, headed by a robbery suspect (Vin Diesel), toss in a cool cast and lubricate with some awsome stunt work and you have this roaring, adrenalin-enhanced vehicle. Vin Diesel (“Pitch Black,” “Boiler Room”) drives the streets of L.A. as if he owns them and his cohorts think he does. He’s into “rice-rocket technology,” creating fast 21st century cars using computer-controlled fuel-injection engines. “I live my life a quarter-mile at a time,” he explains, and he can pocket as much as $10,000 if he wins a drag-race. And, make no mistake, to him, winning is right up there with loyalty in the hierarchy of importance. Into his life comes Paul Walker (“The Skulls”) who wants not only his respect – after he’s accused of “granny-shifting, not double-clutching” – but also his beautiful, studious sister, Jordana Brewster – and answers to questions about some big-rig hijackings, thefts that have truckers up in arms. Plus, there’s snarling Michelle Rodriguez (“Girlfight”), Rick Yune and Ja Rule. Based on Ken Li’s article in “Vibe” magazine, written by Gary Scott Thompson, Erik Bergquist and David Ayer, and directed by Rob Cohen, it’s pure escapist entertainment for those juiced on the concept of speed. The acting requirements are as superficial as the script but the stunt driving is awesome. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “The Fast and the Furious” zooms in with a numbing, high-octane 4. Just lock your brains in the glove compartment before you line up at the box-office.
