"Fast Five" (2011)

In an age where blockbusters have gotten increasingly complex and convoluted to a fault, Fast Five stands out for the simplicity of its storytelling. That might make it seem hokey or corny or even dumb, whatever that means, but it also means the story never gets caught up its own ass. The clarity of its storytelling would put many films -- even more widely praised ones -- to shame. The film always has a exact sense of its characters, plotting, pacing and stakes -- things even the most simple-minded of films frequently fail to have, and therefore fail to properly engage us. Because the film has the audacity to be about some low-culture based things like high-octane car chases we label it as a stupid, disposable film, but Fast Five is a damn entertaining film. Some of recent action filmmaking's finest shot sequences are behind Justin Lin's carefully choreographed direction. The final action sequence, in particular, is beyond insane and implausible, but Lin always lets us spatially comprehend the craziness and that's crucial, and also adds to the thrills in subtle but vital ways. It's an adrenaline shot of action, but one that knows how to properly give the dosage.

Grade: ★★★