Fast Five

Directed By: Justin Lin
Written By: Chris Morgan (screenplay) and Gary Scott Thompson (characters)
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris
Rated: PG-13

MY RATING: A-

Finally an action movie that revved me up!

Fast Five picked up with Dominic Toretto (Diesel) on a prison bus.  O'Conner (Walker) and girlfriend Mia Toretto (Jordana Brewster) break him free from custody and the three are on the run.  They flee to Rio de Janeiro and decide to pull off one last job that'll buy them a ticket to freedom.  Of course things can't be that simple.  They end up getting mixed up with the most dangerous drug lord in Rio and at the same time Federal Agent Luke Hobbs (Johnson) is also hunting them down.  The trouble they get into in Rio ends up being more than they can handle alone so Dom and O'Conner call on old friends to help them out.  Tyrese and Ludacris reprise their roles and add lots of humor to the film.  Also newcomers, buddies Tego (Tego Calderon) and Rico (Don Omar)  are very funny as well. 

I must say my anticipation of this movie was very high!  First-off the delicious Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was added to the cast (as he should be), word of mouth was high and the box office numbers were huge with Fast Five making over $80 million out the gate.  After seeing this film I could see why.  Fast Five had lots of great racing action which is why we go to see these films.  They did things I've never seen done before, which is hard to do at this point.  The stunts were crazy good!
And Dwayne Johnson kicked butt!  You will be reminded that he was a wrestler first.  Great, great fight scene between him and Vin Diesel!
Loved the backdrop of Rio de Janeiro, it added a raw, gritty, yet exotic aspect to the story.  But don't expect to be on the Brazillian beaches watching lots of half naked women paraded in front of the camera.  Think again.  They shot this film in the favelas of Rio (the slums) which kept us grounded and connected to the characters on their heart pounding journey. 

This was a non-stop thrill ride!  I was on the edge of my seat and holding my breath through most of the movie.  If you're looking for a good action movie then this is it!  Best one I've seen in awhile!

I say you must see this one!