NEED FOR SPEED – REVIEW

NEED FOR SPEED – REVIEW

Need for Speed is loved by millions all over the world, for its incredible high-speed chasers and racers, however the popularity of the franchise is down to its gameplay as weak storylines never seemed to resonate with players. Turns out the Need for Speed film is pretty much the same, with an abundance of some spectacular racing scenes, which is then interlaced with a melancholic story that at times is outright just plain dumb and not fun.

Fresh from prison, a street racer who was framed by a wealthy business associate joins a cross-country race with revenge in mind. His ex-partner, learning of the plan, places a massive bounty on his head as the race begins.

Watching Need for Speed its clear to see what inspired the writers and director Scott Waugh, as they try and replicate the charm of 60’s and 70’s car films, the intensity and drama of Drive, and the fun filled saga building Fast and the Furious series. Needless to say it fails on all counts.

The film really shines in its lighter moments, as the absurdity of it becomes its own sort of fun little escapade, however the movie is bogged down with a slow story that’s completely melodramatic. Its this needlessness of drama that sucks one completely out of the film and into a state of daydreaming waiting for another race as the film completely shuts the audience down into a state of complete boredom.

The script is weak, the dialogue insipid and a cast, which feels so out of place that they lack any sort of chemistry, except Aaron Paul and Imogen Poots. The story is well and beyond contrived and is taken way more seriously then it has the right too.

 Not everything is completely terrible however, as the stunts in this film are completely outrageous and spectacular. With many of the stunts performed practically and with little CG incorporated, the stunt work and car races are amazing and will have you forgiving the films lacklustre at least for those few moments of adrenaline pumping numbness.

Aaron Paul stars as Toby Marshall, the man who has vengeance on his mind and a steering wheel in his hands and peddles beneath his feet as he races across the country to face the man that put him in prison. Paul plays the part of the embittered Street Racer quite well, as he puts in a good performance despite the weak script.

Julia Bonet, the love interest for the film, is played by the lovely and spunky Imogen Poots, who just seems to create a wonderful energy and chemistry with Paul.

 Poots is infectious in the film, as she and Paul play these characters with a sincerity that gives their relationship an interesting dynamic, but because of poor direction, not of there own doing, is not fully realised.

Need for Speed has ample amounts of racing madness and beautiful exotic car mayhem that would get any car enthusiast excited, but with a weak script, needless drama and weak character development, its one car film that’s forgettable.

If you fan of the game, then you might want to stay home play it.

My Rating

5/10