Christopher Haskell
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Christopher reviewed...
Fast & Furious (2009)
What helps a franchise stay relevant after a trilogy is returning to… More
What helps a franchise stay relevant after a trilogy is returning to form and by bringing back all the original characters, "Fast & Furious" is textbook fourth film material. Taking a much darker tone, and pitting Vin Diesel again Paul Walker in a paralleling storyline, this sequel is set apart from the originals by creating a fresh, entertaining feel unlike anything we've experienced before. Revisiting and strengthening old relationships not only builds a stronger foundation for future films, but highlights major points of the first film that were most enjoyable. Still focusing on some racing, but continuing the "2 Fast 2 Furious" model of drivers for hire, the film takes elements from all previous films and expands them.
1 day ago via Flixster
Christopher reviewed...
2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
Continuing with fast cars, beautiful women, and enough action to keep… More
Continuing with fast cars, beautiful women, and enough action to keep you entertained, "2 Fast 2 Furious" succeeds in the fact that Paul Walker returns and carries on the "Fast and the Furious" legacy. Also, by bringing in new relevant characters like Tyrese Gibson's Roman Pearce and Ludacris' Tej, the series is kept new and fresh, even if it comes from several recycled storylines. The plot often feels like a retread of "The Transporter" plot, but with a team. However, it does still focus on the street racing, nightlife aspect that was popularized in the original.
1 day ago via Flixster
Christopher reviewed...
Hands down, Sung Kang as supporting character Han makes this film.… More
Hands down, Sung Kang as supporting character Han makes this film. Without Kang, there would be nothing redeemable about "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift". For starters, Lucas Black is terrible as the lead character, Sean Boswell, a country hick sent to Japan after getting into too much trouble. There are no serious consequences for Sean and never are. His "strict" father steps aside to let him do whatever he wants and a killer Yakuza boss lets him live for no good reason. Black is not an actor I want to see around and I did not believe any bit of him in this role. "Tokyo Drift" succeeds in introducing a new element into street racing, with the fresh idea of drifting, but simply becomes some odd version of "The Karate Kid" with Han coaching Sean in their ways, for no real reason than for entertainment. Justin Lin does as good a job as he can directing this sequel, but drops the ball with actors that shouldn't be in high school and a film that feels like 90% of it is at night. [Spoiler] When the film loses Kang, I lose complete interest and could do without the entire second half of this film. I could also do without Bow Wow, who is the only character I believe as a high school student. The worst installment in the franchise, with no returning characters from the originals (besides a surprise appearance at the end), this at least sets Kang up for much deserved future endeavors.
3 days ago via Flixster
Christopher reviewed...
The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Fast cars. Big muscles. Attractive ladies. What more could you ask for… More
Fast cars. Big muscles. Attractive ladies. What more could you ask for from a film titled "The Fast and the Furious". Vin Diesel and Paul Walker make this film their own and put themselves on the map while doing it. Even if the film is mindless fun, there's enough heart and introduction to want more and to believe the connections that are being made. Centered around illegal street racing, the film is a first of its kind and ushers in an era of kids liking souped up cars and the down-and-dirty nightlife. With a few twists and enough action to keep one entertained, this first film of the franchise is a benchmark in action films.
6 days ago via Flixster
