‘Fast X’ is a diverse and thrilling movie, but not overly politically correct.

The “Fast & Furious” Franchise: More Than Just Muscle Cars and Stunts

The “Fast & Furious” franchise has come a long way since its first film in 2001. Now, with the release of “Fast X,” the series has reached its tenth installment. But it’s not just about muscle cars, scantily-clad women, and stunts that defy gravity and logic. The fuel behind Dom Toretto and his gang of antiheroes isn’t Nitrous Oxide (NOS), although that powers them through more than a few chase sequences, it’s family. Something anathema to woke culture.

The Importance of Family and Faith

The extended brood takes faith seriously, favors merit over representation, and understands that actions have consequences. The word “family” is spoken early and often throughout the series, connecting both blood relatives and the ever-expanding gaggle of reluctant warriors. And it’s not just lip service.

• The “Fast & Furious” clan may come from different mothers, but they work together as one. It’s a near-perfect metaphor for adoption.
• The saga may be the most ethnically diverse franchise in film history.
• Key characters still turn to their faith throughout the series, saying grace before meals and embracing Christianity’s redemptive power.

Christianity’s redemptive nature remains critical to the saga’s success. Dom didn’t start out saving the day in film after film. He was a thug, butting heads with the late Paul Walker’s undercover cop character in the first installment. Dom didn’t become a hero overnight, drifting to the right side of the law over several films.

No Diversity Hires Here

The various “Fast” players joined the family through hard work, innovation, and hustle. Each brings a unique skill set to the franchise, making them valuable in their own right. Gibson’s Roman Pearce spends much of “Fast X” leaning into his personal dream, becoming a leader of his own “Furious”-style squad. It’s not easy, he learns the hard way, but his family is there to pick him up and show why, even when he fails, his leadership skills are blossoming. Results, not representation, matter.

Race and Diversity

So you’d expect every new “Fast” installment to lecture audiences on race, diversity, inclusion, and the granddaddy of woke talking points – “systemic racism.” And you’d be dead wrong. Race rarely, if ever, comes up in the long-running series. One of the heroes might crack wise about skin color, but it’s always playful and never approximating the kind of woke thinking that dominates too many stories these days.

The Future of the Franchise

There’s no doubt fans line up to see every new “Fast & Furious” film for the jaw-dropping stunts and death-defying heroism. The saga’s focus on faith, family, and merit still matters, and remains a key reason the saga will live on for an eleventh installment … and maybe more.

Written by Christian Toto, an award-winning journalist, movie critic, and editor of HollywoodInToto.com.