Faster

Synopsis: An ex-con sets out to avenge his brother’s death.

Release Date: November 24, 2010     MPAA Rating: PG-13

Genre(s): Action,

Film Review

In a film where the characters do not have names but monikers it goes to show that even they wish to be kept hidden from being recognized as part of the train wreck that is Faster. Driver (Dwayne Johnson) has just been released from prison after ten years and he is hell bent on revenge. A man of very few words he lets his car do the talking, and his over sized muscles. Fashioned with a classic Chevelle he tears down the streets on the way to his next victim. These victims are of course the people who set him and his brother up many years ago, leading to both of their deaths. Yes, both Driver and his brother were killed but Driver refused to die. He is now a “ghost” in the flesh and anyone who sees his marked tatoo runs from his presence. Cop (BIlly Bob Thornton) is assigned to the case of catching Driver, as well as Cicero (Carla Gugino). There is one more figure that makes an appearance in Driver’s life, the technology genius who moonlights as a hired assassin. His name? Killer. Catchy, isn’t it?

Now what is wrong with this revenge action thriller you ask? Everything, except the Chevy Chevelle. Although it is not boring, my attention was miraculously held for the duration, it is absolutely ridiculous and the writing is below the lowest of standards. You can see screenwriter’s Tony and Joe Gayton attempt to draw from prior exploitation films and even the kitschy cult mainstays that draw in audiences to this day late on a Saturday night. They have missed the mark completely. The lines that should be serious, yet funny, just sound stupid coming out of the character’s mouth. When Cop’s wife (Moon Bloodgood) screams at him that she is “getting her associate’s degree” I nearly wept from the horror of the line delivery. Better yet was Gugino’s Cicero using the word “Dude” at the end of a sentence when speaking to Cop. The look on her face expresses what you are thinking – how much worse can this get? It gets worse, every time the frightening sound of the western score pipes up. Then more so when the gospel becomes a part of the story. The blatant attempts to create something from Faster that could become a cult sensation turn out to be it’s inevitable downfall. Had Director George Tillman Jr. made some adjustments he could have had a low level revenge/thriller/action film that could contend with the masses. This is not the case and so one can only run faster, and faster, to avoid Faster.

I would not say this film is full of action, but more gratuitous violence. Sure, there are a couple car chases and some fancy driving from Driver but other than that there is no actual action going on. Driver enters a location, draws his gun, and someone dies. There may be a short shootout too but your adrenaline level remains stable the entire time. If you like watching people get shot in the head and the sound of very loud gunfire and exhaust ringing in your ears then this movie will appease. If you actually know what the possibilities could have been for this type of film and then see the end product you will be more pissed off then Driver himself.

Cast and Crew

• Director(s): George Tillman Jr.Martin ShaferRobert Teitel
• Producer(s): Tony GaytonJoe Gayton
• Screenwriter(s): Dwayne Johnson (Driver)Tom Berenger (Warden)Billy Bob Thornton (Cop)
• Story: Mike Epps (Roy Grone)
• Cast:  Dirk WesterveltMichael GradyDavid Lazan
• Editor(s):
• Cinematographer: Clint Mansell
• Production Designer(s):
• Costume Designer: 
• Casting Director(s): 
• Music Score: 
• Music Performed By: 
• Country Of Origin: USA