Friday, March 7, 2014

Movie Review ... Need For Speed

 

Need-for-Speed._posterThe success of the ‘Fast and the Furious’ franchise spawned a host of imitators.  Using the template of fast cars, hot chicks and stoic men, many have attempted to grab a slice of the profitable pie.  ‘Need for Speed’ does its best to take a share.  Full of the elements needed to appeal to the male-skewering audience, it’s a full throttle ride devoted rev-heads should enjoy.

Framed for a crime he didn’t commit, street racer Tobey (Aaron Paul) determines to get even.  Released from prison he has powerful car entrepreneur Dino (Dominic Cooper) in his sights.  Aided by mysterious car dealer Julia (Imogen Poots), Tobey’s mission becomes more perilous.  With danger at every turn his vengeful odyssey knows no limits as he speeds towards a fateful climax.

‘Need for Speed’ can best be described as a ‘thought-free’ movie.  Requiring little use of brain cells, it’s an outrageous romp.  It has a bit of romance, danger and lots of car chases.  Unfortunately there are too many thrills and spills leading one to suspect they were used for padding.  What plot there is focuses on the basic good vs. evil concept as Tobey and Dino battle it out on the streets.  These scenes are very well realised and naturally provide the most interest in a generally forgettable film.

Paul equips himself well as the raspy-voiced hero with Cooper having the most fun as the hiss-able villain.  Director Scott Waugh shows some style during the car sequences with plenty of bangs for anyone’s bucks.  He keeps the mood light as ‘Need for Speed’ doesn’t take things too seriously.  His comic-book story-telling approach works given this is based on a popular console game.  It succeeds in becoming much better than most game-to-screen adaptations even if it goes on far longer than it should.

‘Need for Speed’ is total fluff still managing to entertain.  Its budget is well spent despite its predictability as it clocks more mileage along cinema’s long highway. 

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Movie Review Rating out of 10:  6

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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