When Vibe magazine published the article “Racer X,” nobody could have predicted that it would evolve into a franchise of ten movies, a spin-off, two short films, a 52-episode animated series, two theme park attractions, and a handful of video games. Moreover, no one would believe that, over time, this franchise would accumulate over $7 billion in total earnings, especially considering that the first film barely scraped together $200 million. It’s truly mind-boggling.
Racing at Full Throttle
After more than two decades of high-speed action, Vin Diesel announced last year that it was the end of the road, at least for this group of racers, with the possibility that “The Fast and the Furious” could continue with new faces at the wheel. They decided that “Fast X” would be split into two films, serving as a grand finale. In fact, they wanted to go out with a bang, making it the eighth most expensive production of all time, just below “Avatar: The Way of Water” and above “Avengers: Infinity War.”
However, despite the meticulous attention paid to it, the franchise hasn’t been without its fair share of mistakes. Let’s rewind to 2011, during the release of “Fast Five,” the film that shifted gears for the franchise and set the tone for its future. It’s in this film, at the 32:35-minute mark, when a shooter takes aim at Mia and Brian just as they’re about to make a daring leap… suddenly, an unexpected camera operator pops into view. Perhaps the film’s antagonists wanted to document their misdeeds? It’s possible.
The late Paul Walker co-starred alongside Vin Diesel in this fifth installment, which was directed by Justin Lin, marking his third turn at the helm. Ultimately, family and blood prevail, and “The Fast and the Furious” movies have become a reunion of old friends, or at least that’s how they want to portray it, because behind-the-scenes battles have been a rather serious matter. But that, I’m afraid, is another story.
As the franchise reaches its tenth installment with “Fast X,” it’s a testament to its enduring appeal despite some minor flaws that even Vin Diesel may have overlooked. With over $7 billion in box office earnings and a dedicated fan base, “The Fast and the Furious” has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.