Need for Speed: O Filme

Ever since the popularity of video games skyrocketed in the 1980s, Hollywood has been trying to cash in on the craze by bringing well-known franchises to the big screen. While some adaptations have come close to getting it right (Silent Hill is probably the best), most video games movies have been absolutely terrible, with Super Mario Bros. and Street Fighter: The Movie serving as a shining example of what not to do.

With a well-documented history of failed projects, the expectations surrounding Need for Speed couldn't be much lower - after all, it's based on a decades-old franchise about illegal street racing, featuring a young cast that remains unproven at the box office - but what the film lacks in storytelling and character development is more than compensated for, thanks to the action behind the wheel.

Two years after being framed for the death of a friend, Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul) is released from prison with revenge on his mind. His target is Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper), the shady professional racer that put Tobey in jail and Tobey's friend in a coffin. Taking down Dino will mean beating him at his own game, a top-secret race featuring the world's most elite drivers, and hosted by the mysterious Monarch (Michael Keaton).

With less than two days to get from New York to California before the race begins, Tobey embarks on a cross-country trek that features plenty of jaw-dropping moments, made even more thrilling by director Scott Waugh's insistence that all driving stunts be performed by real drivers in real cars. This adds an extra layer of tension that's sorely missing from the Fast and Furious series (to which Need for Speed is destined to be compared), and the film's best moments come courtesy of E-brake drifts, squealing tires, and near collisions.

Despite its paper-thin plot and many, many failed attempts at humor, Need for Speed still works thanks to the generous amount of high-octane action sequences, and the undeniable charisma of Aaron Paul. Skeptics may not have believed that Paul could distance himself from his Jesse Pinkman persona, but he delivers a strong performance that should put him on the radar for future action roles.

Need for Speed is one of the better attempts at translating a popular video game into a big screen experience, with the practical stunts and real-world action serving as a nice counterbalance to Fast and Furious's ever-increasing ridiculousness. Its silliness, predictability and over- inflated running time keep it from being a truly great movie, but it's still a hell of a lot of fun.

-- Brent Hankins, www.nerdrep.com

I was a bit apprehensive about watching this movie considering that the current RottenTomatoes score is a dismal 23%. So much for the critics.

Story-line is pretty weak, but I guess that's all could be done if you wanted to stick to the video game format.

Some good casting choices, some bad... Aaron, M Keaton, Rami, Dominic, Ramon did it for me, Imogen, Dakota, Harrison, Scott (he was so irritating - African-Americans should protest the stereotyping) did not. Couldn't understand how Imogen's character went from savvy biz to dreamy ditz.

Elements of the game like the build-up to the final race, police car chases, attempted roadblock (the police car-pile driver was really a low-point), helicopter surveillance, etc were featured.

The movie was engrossing and I didn't feel the length of the two hours. However, some major plot holes/ inconsistencies didn't work for me... but hey, its based on a video game. I appreciate the director for not resorting to the F&F style of direction.

Watch it if you like cars, chases and/or Aaron... Would have liked him to say "Bitch" at least once! :) But can't have everything.

I saw an advanced screening of Need for Speed at NAS Pensacola for free and went in with no expectations. I actually expected it to be really bad. But my hand to god....it was awesome. There is not a dull moment in the entire movie. With a countless number of street races, police chases, and car crashes i was entertained throughout its two hour run time. But of course all of this time spent on the action scenes comes at the cost of a well thought out plot. It was pretty formalistic and predictable. but what did you expect from a movie based off a racing video game? There were no stand out performances by the actors but no one was bad either. Kid Cudi played the comic relief and he did a lot better than i expected having no prior acting experience. Overall if you're looking for a very intense and entertaining movie this is it. Hopefully now Aaron Paul wont just be remembered as "the guy from Breaking Bad". 8/10

I am a huge fan of "Need For Speed Most Wanted" video game. I still do play it on my PC. Whatever the critics would say, I was sure I would see this movie. And now, it's here. The plot is way simple and predictable but it kept me excited till the end. The movie beats the Fast and Furious series (at least for me). The cars, racing and all those stunts were too amazing. I bet, any car fan would not be disappointed by this movie. They have made it too good that it would be hard to dislike it. It's the best video game adaptation I have ever seen, or could ever imagine. It's like I'm watching the recorded version of my playing but in the best graphics than the one I regularly play on PC. I've always wanted this movie to get released and here it is. The best racing movie ever made.

This is one of those clear cut action film which excel in its main goal (intense car racing) but kind of ignores everything else. Plot is straightforward & not emotionally driven, but is generally fun to watch and high in adrenaline.

So to begin with, the team seriously proved their ability in making the action sequences feel suspenseful and look awesome at the same time. And you can really feel intensity of the crashes and the speed. Furthermore, it feels more special with the inclusion of hypercars like Lamborghinis and Koenigseggs for the races. It is the first film for a long time to have really, really powerful cars like these, and they are simply a joy to watch. A dream come true for car fans.

However, though, the plot is very much straightforward, and predictable enough. And while the use of humour is good and energetic throughout, the same could not be said for the drama. There is a genuine feel for some of the characters, but I would say it was not plot driven and instead mostly due to the brilliant acting by Aaron Paul, who was the only stand out cast. His portray of emotions & joy, along with the charisma he brings to the screen easily makes him the likable action hero we want to root for, and so everything that happens around him kind of find its way to our hearts. I believe that after this people will remember him more than just a meth maker (Breaking Bad).

So, this is really an energetic and full of adrenaline action movie full of powerful, powerful cars, which makes it one worth the watch despite an ordinary plot.

VERDICT:

Good: Excellent & Intense car action, Beautiful inclusion of hypercars, Lots of humour, Great main character

Bad: Straightforward plot, Average supporting cast, Less emotionally driven

SCORE: 7.0

(blockbusted9.blogspot.com)