Need for SpeedPosted by Wilson Morales
With the “Fast & Furious” franchise taking off to magnificent heights, it was inevitable that another studio would try to capitalize on Universal Pictures has achieved thus far. All you need are cars, serviceable and marketable and a plot to get a film green lit. Hence, we get “Need for Speed,” a throwaway action film starring Aaron Paul, in his big starring role since leaving the acclaimed TV series, “Breaking Bad.” No amount of car chase scenes can wash away a stink of a film that does nothing for its genre and its actors.
Paul plays Tobey, an auto mechanic from Mount Kisko, NY who needs money to pay his employees and keep his repair shop afloat. One of his hobbies is drag racing against his wealthy rival, ex-NASCAR driver Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper). During one race, one of Tobey’s friends is killed and Tobey takes the blame and is sent to jail for two years for manslaughter
. When he gets out, instead of getting his life back in order, he wants to beat Dino in a San Francisco race, known the De Leon race—the Super Bowl of underground racing
and hopefully clear his name. His only obstacle is that he doesn’t have a car.
This is where British auto exec Julia (Imogen Poots) comes into the film. Prior to going to prison, Tobey had built a mustang for a company where Julia works and she won’t lend him the car unless she comes along cross-country to protect her investment. When Dino becomes aware that Tobey may have a car to beat him, he sends out word to pay anyone who can stop Tobey from getting to the race, which is hosted by the Monarch (Michael Keaton).
Along the ride, and aide by his Air Force buddy pilot (Scott Mescudi), who by coincidence can borrow a chopper without going through protocol, Tobey and Julia have to clear through competitors, law enforcement and Dino’s henchmen to reach his destination for one final showdown.
Outside of this ridiculous plot, the best thing about “Need for Speed” is the visual effects. If you have a thing for cars and these car chase scenes, there’s plenty here to tickle your fancy. But beyond that, the plot is so thin, it doesn’t hold candles to films of its genre, which includes “Cannonball Run,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” and the “Furious” franchise.
One can’t blame Paul for taking the role. After all, it’s a lead role in a big film that looked good on paper. He’s okay in the role, but Poots is better than this. What happened to Michael Keaton’s career? Is this what his career has come to? There’s making a comeback and then there’s taking a check to pay bills. One can hopefully assume that the latter is his best explanation. It’s a fun ride for those who need a quick escape from reality but otherwise, you might as well be patient for the next “Furious” installment.
