"Need For Speed" review

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama.
Starring: Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Imogen Poots, Scott 'Kid Cudi' Mescudi, Ramon Rodriquez, Rami Malek, Michael Keaton, Dakota Johnson, Harrison Gilbertson.
Year Of Release: 2014
Certificate: 12A
Runtime: 130 minutes
Director: Scott Waugh

Synopsis: "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." IMDB

Firstly let me start with a word of warning to some of the idiots out there that have been judging this movie on its acting and or script, this movie is purely a "popcorn movie" you just sit your butt down and enjoy! Back to the review.

The movie is helmed by former stuntman Scott Waugh who most recently directed "Act Of Valor" which in itself was pretty poorly acted and written but had some genuinely beautiful Action scenes. As all you guys/girls will know the movie is based on the Need For Speed video game franchise of which I recently found out is the most successful racing series of all time.

The movie starts pretty early on with our main protagonist Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul) being arrested and falsely convicted of the killing of his friend during an illegal street race, while the real murderer Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper) is off free to live his life after what seems like orchestrating the whole sick plan.

After being released from prison, Tobey is out to seek revenge on the man who killed his friend. This comes in a cross country street race which is organised by a very secretive ex racer Monarch (Michael Keaton), Tobey is joined on his cross country escapade by Julia (Imogen Poots). The girl who organised the sale of the car that Tobey worked on for Dino.

"Need For Speed" may fall short in the acting category well besides Aaron Paul who is as good as ever and in the character development aspect, the movie sure as heck got the action scenes completely spot on! There is some scenes that will make your jaw draw in pure awe that they actually did it. While the script is a bit hit and miss with very clichéd scenes and over used elements we've seen in countless movies before, however that is not to say that the plot is followable all be it flawed at times. 

Overall, the Action sequences and the stunt driving are phenomenal and thoroughly enjoyable to watch, but the plot and character development leave a bit to be desired. However that being said, going into this movie expecting the plot you get or the character development you get in say "The Godfather" then you are really in the wrong ball park. This movie is purely and adrenaline ride, if you like fast and beautiful cars, incredible Action sequences and the police chases that look like they were taken from a video game this IS for you!

7/10