The Fast and the Furious (2001)

Girls, cars and action! This film had all the makings to be successful and draw in large audiences across the globe; and it was just that. Director Rob Cohen helped to create a new and exciting cinematic universe beginning with the first installment of the Fast and Furious franchise. Cohen pulled audiences into a world that, even though influenced by popular video games such as Need for Speed (1994) and Grand Theft Auto (1997), has significant differences and separated itself from anything that had been seen (or played) before. Compelling characters, such as Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and Brian O’Connor (Paul Walker), set the tone for what was to come as the film progressed. These two, along with the rest of the characters, were fun and exciting. They possessed a certain amount of enthusiasm, allowing audiences to fall in love with them from the start, yet, they each had a dark side that let audiences know that there was more to each character than what was visible on the surface. Viewers expected the characters to grow as the film and story moved forward and the development of these characters was done very well. Each new revelation was appropriate and understandable and helped the audience accept what was taking place in the film. Every event and every line led to one final showdown between Toretto (and team) and Johnny Tran (Rick Yune) and the ultimate revelation from O’Connor. Cohen’s directing and Ronna Kress’ casting did more than create a single film that brought in more than five times its budget. They created a universe that would span what will be more than two decades when all is said and done. They created characters that had (and still have) so much potential to grow and become even more fun and they prepared themselves to branch off in new and exciting directions that follow these characters on their journeys through life. This film was the beginning of a beloved film franchise that would continue to gain audiences’ attention for years to come. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0232500/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_5