The Fast and Furious franchise has been a staple in the film industry for nearly two decades now. The franchise has been a box-office powerhouse, with each film surpassing its predecessor in terms of revenue and critical acclaim. The Fast and Furious franchise was not just a movie, but a cultural phenomenon. The franchise was embraced by fans all over the world, who were passionate about the films and the characters.
However, despite its success and successful run over the past years the franchise recently seems like its popularity has declined. Despite its strong cast, quality films, and unique blend of action, car racing, and emotion, the franchise seems to have fallen out of favor with some of its fans.
With the recent release of the trailer to the supposed last installment of the franchise Fast X there has been a growing sentiment among fans and critics in every comment section and reviews signalling that the franchise is no longer as accepted as it once was.
But did the Fast and Furious franchise really loose its luster?
The fast and furious franchise has always had a unique blend of action, car racing, and emotion that has captivated audiences worldwide. Each installments of the franchise have also always been well casted, with some of the A-list names in Hollywood bringing their A+-game to the screen. From big names like the powerhouse Vin Diesel to powerhouse Dwayne Johnson to funny Tyrese Gibson, and IT inclined Ludacris, with the ravishing Michelle Rodriguez to the tough Jason Statham. The Fast and Furious franchise has always been able to attract top-notch talent to deliver some of the most thrilling and emotional performances in action cinema.
If you were once a fan of the franchise as I was, you would agree with me that each film has been expertly crafted, with fast-paced action, well-choreographed car stunts, and breathtaking cinematography that allows you take in all the scenes no matter how fast paced they are, you get have a glimpse of each scene without being lost. From the car enthusiasts to action fans to those who just love a good story the movie has been a great appeal. With the push to raise the bar in each installment in terms of what is possible in an action film, and has somehow set the standard for other race/motor franchises to follow.
But recently, despite all of these efforts, it looks like the Fast and Furious franchise is finding it hard to be fully accepted by its viewers and fans. Especially with the reactions that welcomed the Fast X trailer which was released yesterday. It is now obvious that some viewers and fans feel that the franchise has become too repetitive and formulaic, relying too heavily on the same themes and story beats and too much CGI.
They believe that the movie has shifted from its former genre of action, adventure and thriller to adding Sci-fi. The franchise has also been severely criticized for its excessive action sequences, which some feel are too unrealistic and border on being cheesy. Like traveling in space with a car tied to a rocket booster. Okay, that might be a little over the top. The franchise has also been criticized for its lack of character development and its heavy reliance on spectacle over substance.
I've been an ardent follower of the franchise and I can say that after the Furious 7 the viewers and fans lost interest in the other installment that followed up the seventh film. The were criticized for its convoluted plot, unrealistic action sequences, and lack of emotional depth. The film also marked a turning point for the franchise, as it seemed to loose its status as the character-driven movie that had made the franchise so beloved in the first place to a popcorn action movie.
This brings me to the question that why after all of the successful years, why is it that the Fast and Furious franchise seems to be losing its luster? Is it because the franchise has become too formulaic and repetitive, relying too heavily on the same themes and story beats. Or is it because the franchise has become too focused on spectacle over substance, abandoning the former flow it was known for during the days of 2 Fast to 2 Furious, the Tokyo Drift, Fast Five, Fast and Furious 6 and Furious 7 which was more character-driven. Or perhaps it's because the franchise is simply facing too much competition in the action genre and it's trying so hard to catch up in the more saturated market.
Well, as we wait for the release of Fast X I really hope Fast X which is rumoured to be the last installment of the franchise be a bomb. As it will hopefully be the last then let it go down with a bang to regain its popularity, and reclaim it's spot in my heart and the heart of fellow lovers of the Fast and Furious franchise. I hope the make some great significant changes.
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For starters, the soon to be released Fast X has some of the most talented actors in Hollywood, and it would be a shame to waste their talents on over-the-top action sequences, I think the Fast X needs to focus more on character development and less on spectacle, more quality storyline and not just introducing new big acts and trying so hard to squeeze them in to fit the show hence losing a better ingredient. Yes, CGI will definitely be needed for a movie like this but it should be more realistic. No space traveling in a car again but more believable stunts. There have always been strong action scenes, but the stories themselves have sometimes been criticized for being convoluted and lacking depth. So the should try improving the writing, make the stories more engaging . I believe this will help bring the audience back into the world Fast and Furious.
As a long lost lover of the franchise, I wish to see The Fast X go down with a bang. I wish to watch the movie and then feel like I do feel before whe in the days of Fast 5 & 6 which I believed was a tribute to Paul Walker.
So, as I Fast -10 my seatbelt and patiently wait, I hope I will be thrilled by the Fast X.
