Faster

Driver (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) has just completed a dime in the slammer and is looking for revenge against those who not only put him there, but also killed his brother. With a hit list in hand he driver through the desert of Nevada in search of his targets while also being pursued by a contract killer (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) and a veteran cop (Billy Bob Thornton).

The Rock isn't as strong an actor as he is built. Physically he's imposing, but much of the film leaves him short on spoken material. I'd call this a good call given that his most dramatic scenes aren't believable. Making up for his silence are the creatively named Cop and Killer who both explore relationships and contemplate the bookends of careers.

From a genre-free perspective Faster has the needed pieces to make for some compelling cinema. Unfortunate for the ticket buyer, a likely action connoisseur, Faster has very little action. Driver's checklist is a breeze; most of his prospective victims put up zero fight whatsoever. When the bad guys aren't even trying it's difficult for me to get excited. I've had tougher times finishing grocery lists.

Then there's the story involving Killer. Whatever stoic, forceful appeal Driver displays is contrasted by the arrogance of Killer. This is fine by most measures but Killer never lives up to the hype painted around him. It seems that the title comes from his exclamation that Driver is a faster draw with a pistol, but it would have been just as descriptive to call him inaccurate. This man of adventure is willing to concede that a getaway driver betters him with a gun; I'd rather not tell that to my concerned girlfriend if I were him. I never got the feeling of the game between the two and a highflying car stunt from the trailer, which was absent from the finished product, could hint at a more involving struggle between the characters.

Faster is directed by George Tillman Jr. with high energy. The general look of the film is a slightly more colorized, bleach bypass film look of many recent grungy movies. The editing is crisp and CGI use is limited to being tastefully unobtrusive. Jokes and gags are few in number but every once in a while one crops up to lighten the mood. Overall, very strong pacing with some well incorporated flashbacks and slow motion.

The lack of a classical showdown really hurts Faster, which otherwise measures up as one of the best action/revenge films of recent years. It's getting late in his career for Dwayne to be learning the ropes of what should be his bread and butter, but it's good to see him try.

(Synopsis) After serving 10 years in prison for bank robbery, Driver (Dwayne Johnson) has only one mission in life, to avenge the murder of his older brother who was killed when they were double-crossed after the heist. Now a free man with the names and addresses in hand, there is nothing on earth that can stop him from killing all of them. However, two people are in the hunt to stop him, veteran cop (Billy Bob Thornton) only days from retiring, and a young hit man (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), both on Driver's trail. The race is on, and there can be only one winner.

(My Comment) The story is simple and straight to the point, Driver wants revenge. Driver gets out of prison after 10 years, and he starts hunting down the criminals who were responsible for killing his brother. However, things get complicated when a hit man comes after him. Not only does he have to avoid the cops, but now he is also a target. Physically, the Rock is imposing in this film, but he only speaks about 2 dozen words in the whole movie. The Rock does not have much dialog, but his tough mannerisms and cold blooded killer facial expressions are enough. Billy Bob Thornton's performance as the sleazy cop is excellent. If you want to see an action packed revenge flick, this is a good one to see. (CBS Films, Run Time 1:35, Rated R)(8/10)

I expected the kind of "Fast and Furious" brainless action movie, but it's actually an enjoyable thriller with a certain degree of wit. Definitely better than expected.

Suspense and moving film with full of frenetic action , spectacular pursuits , crossfire and lots of violence . Action and suspense film whose plot revolves around two obsessions, the line of duty and the thirst for revenge . Stars a hunk , lone ex-con , named Drive (Dwayne Johnson) . He has been imprisoned for a bank robbery that was wrong . Being released from prison after talking to the warden (Tom Berenger) who tells him he should be a better person . In order to exact vendetta as he was imprisoned after being set-up, he violently goes into action . After ten years in prison, Driver has one single objective : to avenge the death of his brother (Matt Gerald) , murdered in the same botched bank robbery that led to his imprisonment . While he follows in his footsteps , a veteran police officer (Billy Bob Thornton) tries to find out who is guilty of the murder . Later on, a nameless and cocky hitman 'Killer' (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) is hired to kill Driver. As the contract killer tells his girlfriend Lily (Maggie Grace) , with whom he wants to marry , his next assignment . Drive becomes desperate as he discovers thorny tracks . This year, the holidays come faster. If you're on his list, you're already dead . Slow Justice is No Justice. Justice is swift. Vengeance is faster.

This is good thriller with lots of action , impressive scenes , strong violence , plot twists and suspenseful . A nail-biting and intriguing flick that results to be tense for the whole movie . An interesting plot in which a man who's paroled facing a relentless vengeance from an unjust robbery in which he's betrayed and executing a risked personal mission , acting as a judge , jury and executioner. This ¨Faster¨ manages to provide the right amount of thrill and action in a way it keeps you interested and expecting throughout all of the time . Brooding and provoking script by screenwriters Tony Gayton and Joe Gayton who are executive producers as well . In the picture there are thrills , violence , drama , tension and a little bit of action in the final chases among cars . The picture obtained success enough thanks to the great Dwayne Johnson who gives a stunning acting as a lonely man, recently released from prison , seeking out the delinquentes from his past who he believes betrayed him . Dwayne Johnson returns to action genre in which he's a main figure after some family films , such as : Tooth fairy and The game plan . Well accompanied by a great cast of notorious actors , such as : Billy Bob Thornton, Carla Gugino , Oliver Jackson Chen , Maggie Grace , Annie Corley , Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje , Moon Bloodgood, Jennifer Carpenter , and brief appearance from Tom Berenger, Xander Berkeley , Mike Epps , Jack Wallace , and Courtney Gans.

It contains an intriguing and suspenseful musical score by composer Clint Mansell . As well as adequate and some dark cinematography by cameraman Michael Grady . The motion picture was competently directed by George Tillman Jr . Tillman is a good director and writer, known for his excellent scripts and successful movies . This above average motion picture lavishly produced was competently directed by George Tillman Jr . He is a good writer , producer and filmmaker . His first feature film, Scenes for the soul , it was shot entirely in Chicago, using local talent and resources. Following the momentum of this success, George began to write a script, loosely based on his own life , Soul Food . George's next directorial effort was Men of honor . Going on other successes as Faster , Roll Bounce , Inevitable defeat of Mister and Pete . In addition to directing features, George helmed the pilot Love is a four letter world for NBC, along with episodes of Starz' Power , Netflix/Marvel's Luke Cage , and NBC's dramedy This is us , among others . Rating : 7.5/10 , better than average.

I was surprised by this somewhat. I expected a brainless revenge thriller. What I got was a nicely crafted caper, a throwback, a homage, to several genre films.

The storytelling was straight to the point, almost linear. A vengeful juggernaut-The Rock-gets out of jail and seeks revenge for his murdered brother. He's as focused as a laser missile. An eclectic cast of characters are in his way. A strung-out cop out for redemption (Billy Bob Thornton), a neurotic hit-man and various unsavory people.

I thought this was nice nod to 70s style vengeance driven movies and somewhat reminiscent of Richard Stark/Donald Westlake's PARKER character (seen, in its most recent incarnation in PAYBACK, starring MEL Gibson: one man seeking revenge against fellow criminals). A man focused on his mission. The Rock is a cold-blood murder machine. Nothing heroic or even sympathetic about this guy, which makes him fascinating to watch as he runs down his list.

This movie doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it is a nice cure for the sugar coated holiday releases flooding our cinemas. A nice balance of violence, solid acting and some great music provided by THE HEAVY.