100 movies: Faster

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100 movies of 2012

FasterFaster (19/02/12)

An ex-con sets out to avenge his brother’s death after they were double-crossed during a heist years ago. During his campaign, however, he’s tracked by a veteran cop and an egocentric hit man.

Well this film was a little bit of a surprise. I was expecting 90 minutes of ridiculous action, some beautiful cars driving around and nothing much else. Well, I was going by the poster and the fact that Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was the leading character. My preconceptions were a just a little bit wrong.

This film is a revenge film. In the same vein as say Kill Bill. In the sense that the leading character’s relentless need for revenge is the driving force behind the whole film. Pure revenge and nothing else. Makes for a pretty good film. Dwayne Johnson is a solid lead here. He’s believable in the role. He doesn’t have much to say. But that’s because he’s only got one thing on his mind. Billy Bob’s Cop was an interesting guy. As was the character known only as killer. All three of these leading character’s stories intertwine in a way I wasn’t totally expecting. They all gain something different from their stories.

Perhaps the fact that the film wasn’t quite what I was expecting meant that I enjoyed it that much more. It’s just a straight revenge story with a fair bit of violence. There’s no relentless action. Though when there is some, it’s there for a reason. For the plot. Dwayne does a good job holding the film up. I come down on the side of respect for him and his acting career.
Rating: 4/5

Read on to see all the films watched this year…

9 Films so far this year

  1. The Tourist 1/5 (02/01/12)
  2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo 5/5 (03/01/12)
  3. World’s Greatest Dad 2/5 (14/01/12)
  4. Haywire 3/5 (19/01/12)
  5. Dead Snow 3/5 (20/01/12)
  6. The Artist 5/5 (21/01/12)
  7. Priest 2/5 (05/02/12)
  8. The Muppets 5/5 (15/02/12)
  9. Faster 4/5 (19/02/12)

10 Comments

  1. Y’know I have to admit I have no desire to see this one. I figure Dwayne Johnson would be good in this role but I kinda prefer him in more of a comedy as he’s actually got good comic skills. I like his brief appearance in The Other Guys for example. He certainly is charismatic, and oh so good looking!

    • See, I’m the opposite. I get a little bit of a bad shudder when I see him in anything comedic. I think he’s got great comedic timing, but … the thought of watching The Tooth Fairy, nope, can’t do it!

      He’s very good in this film.

  2. Hmm… I may have to check out this one after all. I like The Rock well enough, and I am always a sucker for a good revenge movie. Thanks for the heads up, Jaina.

  3. I found this movie really forgettable. Nothing stuck with me. Even the actions scene, I found really unspectacular and generic. Glad you liked it though, that’s the beauty of movies!

    • Castor, you’re not wrong. I think the film is very forgettable. It’s not something I’m remembering now with fond or even hateful memories. But I enjoyed it enough while watching.

      Maybe someone should do a chart of the most polarising films, amongst bloggers, out there…

  4. i’m glad and surprised that you liked this so much. I did not like it.

    The assassin was pointless, the characters were expected and predictable, the twists were also predictable, yet, true…The Rock did carry the film and he was halfway decent.

    Always love seeing a different opinion on films. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Check out mine if you get the chance.

    • I can agree – the assassin was definitely pointless. I get what they were trying to do with the 3 leading male characters, but it didn’t quite work. I’ll have a look at your review and weigh in my thoughts!

  5. Nice to read you enjoyed it! I thought it was pretty good as well, but then I usually like anything Dwayne Johson is in. One of those actors that seems to make any movie enjoyable….

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