HOLLYWOOD – It was a video game that I grew up playing, so of course imagine the giddiness I exhibited when discovering that “Need for Speed” was headed to the big screen. Yeah, I get the comparison; it’s a bit of a knock-off to many of the “Fast & Furious” franchise. But before making that assumption, the two films are none alike.
The movie stars “Breaking Bad” alum Aaron Paul as Tobey Marshall, a mechanic during the daytime and car enthusiasts during the nightlife, who finds himself in prison for a crime he never committed. So what happens when he gets out, you guessed it, he’s out for vengeance. Not just from those who put him behind bars, but for those responsible for the death of his best friend Pete. It’s a classic tale of good versus evil, with a twist. Take some fast powered vehicles, some over the top stunts, a basic premise and the audience has a fun-ride.
One big difference between the “Fast & Furious” franchise and “Need for Speed,” is that “Fast” is more of a heist piece, where as “Speed” is all about fast cars and a quest for revenge. Is it something super original, not really, but it’s an immersive tale for the audience. Paul isn’t alone in his quest, as he gets assistance from a car dealer Julia Maddon (Imogen Poots) who has a penance for high-caliber vehicles, and his gang of cohorts who assist him on his cross-country journey. Let’s just say that is something impossible to do in real life. At the minimum, it would take most three days to travel from the East to the West by vehicle and that’s if you’re not making any pit stops.
The film which is directed by Scott Waugh captures an abundance of thrilling shots and backdrops for the flick’s climatic chase scenes. There is an excellent jump that depicts the heart of Detroit that you have to see to believe, that’s all I can say. Tobey goes up against a ‘friend’ turned foe in Dino (Dominic Cooper) who screws our hero in a deal gone horribly wrong.
While “Need for Speed” is being marketed as a 3D film, it was converted during post-production, meaning those looking for eye-popping 3D effects may be disappointed. So reserve those extra few dollars for popcorn or candy. If the goal is to look for a thrilling adrenaline rush, “Need for Speed” is the flick for you, if story is more your cup of tea, the “Fast and Furious” franchise might be a better fit.