‘Fast X’ is a mixed bag of shenanigans

I think I’ve said this before, but when entering into “The Fast and the Furious” universe, don’t expect any “Shakespeare” or grandiose soliloquies. Besides Vin Diesel’s mumblings and grumblings, the real scene chewing comes from Jason Momoa’s character Dante. He’s just in this for a paycheck. He’s just showy the whole movie.
Still, “Fast X,” the 10th go-round of the long-running franchise, is a guilty pleasure for me. It’s very goofy. But it’s also a crowd pleaser.

The whole premise of the movie is that Dante wants to dismantle Dominic’s (Diesel’s) family unit. Legendary actress Rita Moreno joins the cast as Abuela Boretto, the clan’s matriarch. Moreno is only present for two or three scenes. Veteran actress Helen Mirren returns as Queenie, Deckard Shaw’s (Jason Statham) mother. She has a good kinship with Dom (Diesel), exhibiting good screen chemistry. Charlize Theron returns as well to reprise her role as Cipher.

This is sort of like a globetrotting James Bond movie with scenes in Rome and Antarctica as well as Los Angeles. The action is fast and furious, as advertised, but it’s fun to watch. “Fast X” delivers its punches and gives the audience what it wants. There are several flashbacks, including scenes involving the late Paul Walker, who died in 2013.
Director Louis Leterrier, who called the shots on “The Transporter” and its sequel, knows where to put his camera to capture action sequences. The “Fast X” scenes in Rome look amazing.
Some people say that Diesel is a one-dimensional performer, but for me he’s an incredible actor who takes this franchise under his wings and leaves the audience wanting more. It’s dumb as all get-out, but it’s going to make so much money it isn’t even funny.
Even though it’s almost a three-hour action-adventure, “Fast X” doesn’t feel like it. There’s a mixed bag of shenanigans to keep it interesting.
Grade: B-