Capsule Reviews: 'Fast X' & 'Love to Love You, Donna Summer'

by Philip Price

Fast X

Photo: Universal Pictures

In a weird turn of events, this is more of a faith-based film than I ever expected while simultaneously mocking both its tropes and the series’ recent solemness by allowing Jason Momoa to literally do whatever the fuck he wants (which is as glorious as you’ve probably heard). 
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In good news, Vin Diesel actually feels like he might finally be in on the joke of these more outlandish latter films in the series as he rides the right wavelength of absurdity when essentially playing a game of pool with his car and an atomic-ass-looking bomb in the middle of Rome.

The bad news is the script again wasn’t written by Chris Morgan and again has to find stuff for the massive roster of supporting players to do giving real estate to plot lines (and plot holes) that are unnecessary and derail focus from the elements that really drive the energy of this (a tenth) film … pun intended.

I really wish they’d stop undoing things and simply move forward across the finish line with what (and who’s) left so little B is properly set up to lead his own series in seven-to-eight years, but I get it, man – if DC don’t need ya then the ‘Fast’ family will happily welcome you back and if you get a second season of a show then Vin is happy to give you an honorable “death.” Spoilers, I guess. I GUESS. 

Anywho, the point is: there is a surprising amount of fun to be had with this despite points of complete incoherence. That said, “Fast X” felt like an editing masterclass compared to ‘F9’ as the series now has a destination and therefore a focus that’s been sorely lacking since the departure of Paul Walker’s Brian. Director Louis Leterrier’s penchant for fast-paced, kinetic pacing is also of note as he doesn’t necessarily bring anything new or fresh to the franchise, but his directorial tendencies and tone complement the mentality of these films perfectly. 

If you see it for anything though, see it for Momoa. The scene where he paints a couple of dead henchman’s toenails is worth the price of admission alone.

"Fast X" is currently in theaters. 

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Love to Love You, Donna Summer

Photo: HBO

I don't think I realized how much that "She Works Hard For The Money" music video was deep-rooted in my brain. It was the song on a permanent rotation while my mom did household chores and we danced around the house to MTV's playlist. It's the kind of song memories are set to and the kind of visuals those memories take their cue from.
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Everything about this documentary somehow went against the tone of those bright, warm and comforting memories as it revealed Donna Summer, the individual, to be something of a lost soul ... always searching for a purpose that would evade her even when at the top of the world. Co-directed by one of Summer's daughters, Brooklyn Sudano, ‘Love to Love You’ unfortunately only hints at an understanding of what caused this great chasm between performer and individual, of how her image on stage led her to shield even those who were closest with her from her vulnerabilities.

This contrast in what Summer represented versus what was going on with her psychologically is certainly interesting terrain to track and cover - especially with her daughters on board to do the work - but this documentary can't help but feel as if it only scratches the surface; outlining only who Donna Summer was with little emphasis despite the primary emphasis on the why.

​"Love to Love You, Donna Summer" is streaming on Max.