Faster (3/1/2011)

Rated R for strong violence, some drug use and language.

Starring Dwayne Johnson and Billy Bob Thornton

Directed by George Tillman Jr. (Notorious & Soul Food)

Buckle up, this is a wild ride.

After 10 years in prison, Driver (Dwayne Johnson) has a singular focus — to avenge the murder of his brother during the botched robbery that led to his imprisonment. Now a free man with a deadly to-do list in hand, he’s finally on his mission…but with two men on his trail — veteran cop (Billy Bob Thornton) just days from retirement, and a young egocentric hitman (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) with a flair for the art of killing and a newfound worthy opponent. The hunter is also the hunted. It’s a do-or-die race to the list’s finish as the mystery surrounding his brother’s murder deepens, and new details emerge along the way hinting that Driver’s list may be incomplete.

It’s about time Dwayne Johnson got back to making action movies. Yeah I know he’s been great in films like Tooth Fairy and Race to Witch Mountain, but he’s made for movies like Faster.

You have to admire the way director George Tillman, Jr. introduces the characters. They are not identified by name, but rather by their functions. Johnson is “Driver,” who has just been released from a 10-year stint in prison for robbery. Just as he promised before he began doing time, he seeks revenge on everyone who had a hand in his brother’s death. Thornton is “Cop,” a drug-addicted officer who, along with his partner, Cicero (Carla Gugino), is tracking down the source of recent killings. Oliver Jackson-Cohen is “Killer,” a hit man who is supposed to take out Driver. This is believed to be the last job for the newly married Killer, who assures his bride (Maggie Grace) that he will settle down after this final assignment.

One thing that is new is the way Driver goes after his “to-do list.” There is no hesitation, no thinking it through, he’s had 10 years to think. Now it‘s time to act. As the movie opens we see him pacing in his cell…and I was on edge. As he’s released, he walks out of prison and starts running. I was thinking, “Where is he going?” That pace kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

We do get just enough back story of each character to make them interesting. Driver’s back story is the most intriguing, and so is his motive. We continue to root for him as we watch him wrestle with his inner demons, especially as he continues to listen to a sermon about forgiveness on the radio.

Johnson and Thornton are both great in their roles. They are both flawed characters with an edge, and very believable.

It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you are looking for a great action movie…it’s a Rental!

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
When an R rating says “strong violence” it’s generally pretty bad. The shootings and other killings are graphic and intense. There is also some drug use and language.

Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):

Q: What’s the message/theme of this movie?
A: This is a classic revenge movie, but the twist here is the inner struggle we see Driver go through. Throughout the film we see him listening to a preacher on the radio talk about forgiveness. And we see this message begin to convict him and “slow” him down.

Q: How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
A: Well in order to answer that question we need to see what the Bible has to say about forgiveness.

In Matthew 18:21-22, we read, “Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone[a] who sins against me? Seven times?”

“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”

What does this mean? Well it doesn’t mean we have to forgive someone 490 times and then we are done. Mostly because that implies we are still counting and not really forgiving…but it means we are to forgive someone every time.

In Luke 17:3-4, Jesus says, “I am warning you! If another believer sins, rebuke him; then if he repents, forgive him. Even if he wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, forgive him.”
And Paul tells the believers in Ephesus, to… “be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Q: How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
A: Actually living out forgiveness is one of the hardest things we are called to do. But when we do, it restores Christian fellowship. Look at this example.

I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit. (2 Corinthians 2:5–10)

Scripture is filled with great examples of forgiveness:

Esau and Jacob. (Genesis 33:4–15)
Joseph (Genesis 45:8–15)
Moses (Numbers 12:1–13)
David (2 Sam 19:18–23)
Solomon (1 Kings. 1:52, 53)
Jesus (Luke 23:34)
Stephen (Acts 7:59-60)
Paul (2 Timothy 4:16)

What kind of offense do you find most difficult to forgive? How do you find it in yourself to let go of past offenses even though you “deserve” to hang onto them? Is there someone in your life right now that you need to forgive?

I encourage you to pick up the phone right now and call them.