Forget the brooding Aquaman. Momoa delivers one of the most entertaining villain performances in modern blockbuster history. He plays Dante as a flamboyant, psychotic, gender-bending mastermind. He wears pink fur coats, twirls knives like drumsticks, and laughs maniacally while blowing up Vatican City. Momoa has stated in interviews that he wanted Dante to be a "peacock" who enjoys the torture. He steals every single scene.
The Core Family:
The Shocking Returns (Spoilers):
The narrative directly revisits the events of Fast Five (2011), considered by many fans the series' high point. In a flashback to Rio de Janeiro, Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his crew—Brian O'Conner, Mia, and Vince—execute their legendary heist, dragging a massive bank vault through the city streets. During the chaos, they inadvertently cause the death of the wealthy and corrupt businessman Hernan Reyes, whose convoy they dismantle.
Twelve years later, Hernan’s son, Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa), emerges from the shadows. Unlike his father, Dante is not a businessman but a calculating, flamboyant, and deeply unhinged agent of chaos. Having lost everything—his father, his fortune, and his identity—Dante has spent over a decade infiltrating global intelligence networks and amassing power. His goal is not just to kill Dom, but to systematically destroy everyone Dom loves, making him suffer the same agony of loss that Dante himself endured.
Dante launches his scheme by framing Dom for a bombing in Rome, turning the world’s governments against him. As Dom and his team, including Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez), Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson), Tej Parker (Ludacris), Han Lue (Sung Kang), and Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel), become fugitives, they realize this enemy is unlike any they have faced. Dante is always three steps ahead, has seemingly infinite resources, and derives theatrical pleasure from every move. He forces Dom into a desperate race across the globe—from Rome to London, Portugal, and Antarctica—to protect his crew, his young son Brian (named in honor of Paul Walker’s character), and the extended family he has built.
If you're looking for the best parts of (2023), it's all about leaning into the "over-the-top" energy that defines this franchise. While critics gave it mixed reviews
, most agree it's a fun ride if you enjoy high-octane action and larger-than-life characters. The Absolute Highlights Jason Momoa as Dante Reyes : Almost every reviewer calls him the
. He plays the villain as a chaotic, "flamboyant" maniac—sort of like a mix between the Joker and Jack Sparrow—which brings a much-needed spark to the movie. The Rome Bomb Sequence : One of the film's most spectacular set-pieces
involves a massive spherical bomb rolling through the streets of Rome, creating "Looney Tunes" levels of destruction. Unapologetic Action Fast X
: From cars taking down helicopters to Dom driving down a nearly vertical dam, the film doubles down on gravity-defying stunts that require total suspension of disbelief. A "Family" Reunion
: The film serves as the beginning of the end for the main saga, featuring a massive cast
that includes Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, John Cena, Jason Statham, and Brie Larson. Good to Know Before You Watch Fast X (2023) Movie Review 17 May 2023 —
Fast X is the tenth main installment (and eleventh overall) in the Fast & Furious franchise. Directed by Louis Leterrier, the film serves as the beginning of the end for the "Fast Saga".
Fast X: The Beginning of the End for the Fast Saga The tenth installment of the long-running Fast & Furious franchise, Fast X, officially marks the start of the final chapter for Dominic Toretto and his high-octane family. Released in 2023, the film leans heavily into the series' signature blend of physics-defying stunts, "family" sentimentality, and sprawling global adventure. The Story: A Vengeful Ghost from the Past
The central plot revolves around Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his crew being targeted by a new, flamboyant villain: Dante Reyes, played by Jason Momoa.
The Motive: Dante is the son of Hernan Reyes, the drug kingpin killed during the Rio de Janeiro vault heist in Fast Five (2011).
The Conflict: Seeking retribution, Dante spends years masterminding a plan to dismantle Dom’s life piece by piece rather than simply killing him. This takes the crew from the streets of Rome to the mountains of Portugal and the icy landscapes of Antarctica.
The Missing Member: Notably, Brian O'Conner remains "safe" off-screen, raising his family with Mia to keep them away from Dante's vendetta. Production and Box Office Challenges Forget the brooding Aquaman
Fast X was a massive undertaking, but it faced several hurdles during and after production:
Creative Tensions: Original director Justin Lin left the project early in production due to creative differences and tensions with star/producer Vin Diesel. He was replaced by Louis Leterrier.
Massive Budget: The film became one of the most expensive ever made, with a budget of approximately $340 million.
Financial Performance: While it grossed over $704 million worldwide, the inflated budget meant it likely resulted in a loss for Universal Pictures after marketing and theater cuts were considered. Consequently, future sequels are reportedly being pressured to reduce costs to around $200 million. The Cast and Major Returns
Beyond the core team, Fast X is packed with returning characters and surprise cameos:
The Fast X film, the latest installment in the Fast and Furious franchise, brings back the high-octane action, adrenaline-fueled stunts, and charismatic cast that fans have come to love. As the tenth film in the series, Fast X aims to deliver an epic conclusion to the saga, while also introducing new characters and plot twists to keep the franchise fresh.
The film picks up where the previous installment, F9, left off, with Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his crew dealing with the aftermath of their confrontation with Cipher (Charlize Theron). This time around, the team faces a new threat in the form of Dante (Jason Momoa), the son of Hernan Reyes (Javier Bardem), a notorious drug lord who was killed by Dom in a previous film. Dante seeks revenge against Dom and his crew, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to get it.
One of the standout aspects of Fast X is the return of familiar faces, including Michelle Rodriguez as Letty Ortiz, Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges as Tej Parker, and Sung Kang as Han Lue. The chemistry between the cast members is still palpable, and their interactions are some of the film's most enjoyable moments. The addition of new characters, such as Dante and Jakob Toretto (John Cena), adds a fresh dynamic to the story, and their motivations and backstories are expertly woven into the narrative.
The action sequences in Fast X are, as expected, over-the-top and visually stunning. From high-speed chases through Rome to a thrilling motorcycle stunt through the Italian countryside, the film's set pieces are meticulously choreographed and executed. The special effects are also noteworthy, particularly in a showstopping sequence involving a jet-powered car. The Reacher star plays a hard-nosed agency bureaucrat
However, what truly sets Fast X apart from other action films is its emphasis on family and emotional resonance. Throughout the film, Dom and his crew face challenges that test their relationships and force them to confront their past. The film's exploration of grief, loyalty, and redemption adds a layer of depth to the franchise, and provides a satisfying emotional payoff.
While Fast X is an undeniably entertaining film, it is not without its flaws. Some of the plot twists feel predictable, and a few characters receive shortchanged screen time. Nevertheless, the film's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and it is a fitting addition to the Fast and Furious franchise.
In conclusion, Fast X delivers on its promise of high-octane action, memorable characters, and emotional resonance. With its talented cast, impressive stunts, and engaging storyline, the film is a must-see for fans of the franchise. While it may not be perfect, Fast X is a thrilling ride that will leave audiences eager for more. As the Fast and Furious saga comes to a close, Fast X provides a satisfying conclusion to the series, while also setting the stage for future installments. Whether you're a longtime fan or just joining the ride, Fast X is an unforgettable cinematic experience that will leave you feeling fast and furious.
The Reacher star plays a hard-nosed agency bureaucrat who hates Dom Toretto. He serves as the red herring villain until the third act reveals his true, albeit gruff, allegiance.
If you watch Fast X for realistic car chases, you are two decades too late. The action sequences here are unhinged.
Director Louis Leterrier grounds the CGI mayhem with a slightly grittier camera style than Justin Lin, making the chaos feel just tangible enough.
When the engines first roared in 2001, no one could have predicted that a modest street-racing thriller about undercover cops and DVD players would evolve into a multi-billion-dollar, globe-trotting behemoth. Yet, here we are. With Fast X, the tenth mainline installment of the Fast & Furious franchise (and the first of a two-part series finale), the team has done what critics said was impossible: they went to space in the last movie, so they decided to break the laws of physics, family, and reality entirely.
Released in May 2023, Fast X is not merely a movie; it is a culmination of 22 years of vehicular insanity. Directed by Louis Leterrier (who stepped in after original director Justin Lin departed mid-production), this chapter promises to be the "beginning of the end." But does it deliver the nitro-fueled adrenaline the title suggests?
Here is everything you need to know about the plot, the cast, the shocking ending, and whether Fast X lives up to the legacy of Dom Toretto.