ctinnita-36804
Perfect movie for a Saturday evening.
Plot is simple, Driver gets out of 10 years prison with a single thought in his mind: REVENGE!
Dwayne Johnson at his best and simply faster.
If you are in for an action, adrenaline movie, this is a great choice.
The Movie Diorama
It can't quite reach fourth gear let alone fifth, for everything Faster does correctly it also lacks in something else. One thing is for sure, it's good to see Johnson at the helm of a gritty action thriller before he became Hollywood's most bankable star. Having recently been released from prison, a driver seeks revenge on the group of men that put him there and fractionally killed him. A simple premise of vengeance as the anonymous individual simply known as "Driver" drives down the dark road of hatred. I adored the serious nature of the story, the visceral gritty corruption that is evoked from the driver exhumes a sympathetic undertone. Adequately balanced as you question the actions he takes, determining whether what he is doing is right or wrong. It's not an original narrative, yet the reminiscence of western gunslinger classics seeps through the modern cracks to create a refreshing take on a vengeful character. Johnson's physical demeanour is intimidating, fortunately it makes up for his monotonous acting. Cugino and Thornton were wasted potential as they attempt to convey some emotional complexity. Grace was pointless. Jackson-Cohen played the typical British antagonist with the most forced London accent ever. Whilst I do appreciate the religious themes, like its topic, it came across as preachy and felt unnecessary, even if it was a plot device to taint the driver's determined mind. It's not so much an action film, more of a thrilling drama. A few car chases, some shootouts but mostly intense stares and a whole lot of muscle (his arms are like tree trunks...). The concluding twist, whilst predictable, was slightly underwhelming and really didn't leave much of an impact. It's paced slightly on the slower side however it works for me. Faster may not be as quick as viewers would expect, however it is a watchable thriller with a distinctly gritty style.
Michael O'Keefe
Dwayne Johnson is a bank robber named Driver. After being released from prison, he is hell-bent on avenging his brother's death. Driver is stone cold determined and anything in his way is a mere speed bump. Billy Bob Thornton plays Cop, who is fighting doldrums of his life, but will try to use what remains of his skills to catch up with Driver, before detectives do. There is also Driver's prey that would like a piece of him.Plenty of action, violence and brutality. Enough excitement for everyone. FASTER is written by Joe and Tony Gayton and directed by George Tillman Jr.Rounding out this cast: Tom Berenger, Mike Epps, Mauricio Lopez, Moon Bloodgood, Maggie Grace and Oliver Jackson-Cohen.
Python Hyena
Faster (2010): Dir: George Tillman Jr. / Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Carla Gugino, Maggie Grace: What the title represents is unknown to me unless it indicates the completion of the task at hand. Whatever the case this is still a better than average action film than at first predicted. Dwayne Johnson plays an ex-con released from prison and is in search of the people who set him up and murdered his brother. Director George Tillman Jr. makes good use of locations while Johnson says little yet through him we are given the depths of the victims and where they all currently stand on the issue. This becomes an issue for Johnson who is full tilt on his mission yet battles reluctance when faced with whom they have become. Unfortunately a revenge finale seems to be in the question thus leaving more questions than answers in terms of the film's merits. Billy Bob Thornton steals scenes as a cop in a custody battle and dealing with addiction. He ultimately renders the film better than it might have been without him. Oliver Jackson-Cohen plays a hired hit-man involved in a relationship thus becoming another interesting subplot. His fiancée is into his lifestyle until settling down becomes a serious issue. Carla Gugino plays Thornton's partner who is given a somewhat straight forward role yet she is given the answers needed that provide a plot turn. Tillman previously made such films as Soul Food and Men of Honor, so this is a stretch in terms of genres. Despite its violence and revenge theme it is far faster on entertainment than on message. Score: 5 ½ / 10
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