Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some sexual content, language and drug references.
Directed by Justin Lin (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift)
Starring Vin Diesel and Paul Walker
Fast and Furious was much better than I expected.
The original cast (Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster) head back to the streets where it all began. This time it’s a murder that brings them back to L.A., where they are forced to confront a shared enemy. Dom and Brian must give in to an uncertain new trust if they hope to outmaneuver him. And from convoy heists to precision tunnel crawls across international lines, these two men will find the best way to get revenge: push the limits of what's possible behind the wheel.
The “Fast & Furious” franchise will never earn the “best picture” Oscar, but if you are looking for a thrilling action adventure – look no further. There are plenty of slick cars and lightning quick races, but the interesting twist in a decent story was the biggest surprise… especially when the last two films barely had a story between them.
Director Justin Lin does a great job with every edge-of-your-seat race scene and also delivers when it comes to the non-action scenes… proving he can shift gears. But without a doubt it’s Vin Diesel and Paul Walker that make the movie. They are big time tough-guy action movie super-stars and make Fast and Furious a solid rental.
It could have easily been a “Theater Worthy” film if it were not for the excessive violence, sexual content and a broken moral compass. The two “heroes” can drive fast and look cool, but their actions leave a lot to be desired.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Unfortunately the PG-13 rating for intense sequences of violence, sexual content, language and drug references could be and probably should be an R rating. Not necessarily for the graphic nudity or excessive violence, but for the amount of inappropriate scenes. For example, every time there is a race there are half naked women dancing everywhere – totally ridiculous.
Side Note:
We don’t recommend your kids see this film. But on the occasion that they actually have already seen it, you may want to dialogue about the film with them. These questions below may be a help to you.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
