Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Flashy street-racing movie with violence, profanity, sexism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Fast and the Furious
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 22 parent reviews
Parents say this movie features a problematic portrayal of women, presenting them as objects and showcasing significant violence and mature themes, including strong language and illegal activities. However, many viewers see it as an entertaining film, especially for car enthusiasts, and believe it is suitable for teens with some reservations about its content.
- mature content
- sexist portrayal
- entertaining for teens
- car culture depiction
- strong language
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 61 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is entertaining and filled with action, appealing especially to racing enthusiasts, but it contains excessive violence, strong language, and sexual content that may not be suitable for younger audiences. While many appreciate its nostalgic value and thrilling car chases, concerns are raised about the portrayal of women and the lack of positive role models, suggesting a more mature viewing audience is preferable.
- entertaining action
- excessive violence
- strong language
- sexual content
- portrayal of women
Summarized with AI
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 Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Multiracial Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, language, and brief sexuality
- Last updated : December 20, 2025
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