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The Fast and the Furious
By Jose Solis,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Flashy street-racing movie with violence, profanity, sexism.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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The Fast and the Furious
Community Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
This movie was really good and great it just had to much cuss and sex I like it
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What's the Story?
In THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, Brian (Paul Walker) is an LAPD officer who's sent to infiltrate the hidden world of street racers. He also becomes interested in Mia (Jordana Brewster), the sister of gang leader -- and the fastest driver of them all -- Dom (Vin Diesel). Brian quickly becomes a member of Dom's ragtag team of outcasts, which includes mechanic Jesse (Chad Lindberg), brooding Vince (Matt Schulze), and fellow racer Letty (Michelle Rodriguez). But after races and chases in various locales, it turns out that neither Dom nor Brian has been telling the truth. Both will have to put what they care about most on the line before it's all over.
Is It Any Good?
This franchise starts with a bang, in what is one of the best executed action films of the early 2000s. Best remembered for its sleek cars, exciting races, and nonsensical plot, The Fast and the Furious should also be regarded for its inclusivity, as it has one of the most diverse ensembles in its genre.
Nothing in the film is supposed to be taken at face value, which is why the story is filled with cliches, borrowing from Western, police, and heist sub-genres, and its plots and twists can be predicted from a mile away. The point is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the wild ride.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way outcasts create families, such as the scene in The Fast and the Furious where Dom presides over a barbecue dinner with his friends and colleagues. What does the idea of found family mean to you?
How are women portrayed in this movie? Do they feel like positive portrayals, or do they fall into stereotypes? Can both be true at the same time?
What do you think is the appeal of movies in which cars are altered to go at very fast speeds and the drivers take outrageous risks? What are some of the stunts best filed under "Don't try this at home"?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 22, 2001
- On DVD or streaming: June 3, 2003
- Cast: Michelle Rodriguez , Paul Walker , Vin Diesel
- Director: Rob Cohen
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Latino actors
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- Genre: Thriller
- Topics: Cars and Trucks , Brothers and Sisters , Friendship
- Run time: 106 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: violence, language, and brief sexuality
- Last updated: August 2, 2023
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