Kung Fu Panda 2

Each week it seems that more and more films are either sequels or remakes. This trend is not new, and quite honestly makes a ton of sense.  A film does well, so it only makes sense to cash in with another chapter in a tale, or to take a film that younger audiences may not have seen, add fresh faces and modernize the setting.  I really don't like remakes, but I get why they are made.  I don't mind sequels, in fact the only time I don't particularly like them are when the original ended in perfect manner.  The film for this review is Jack Black's Kung Fu Panda 2, starring Jack Black, Lucy Liu, David Cross, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie and Gary Oldman as Lord Shen.

KFP2 picks up where the animated original left off.  Po, the panda and Dragon Warrior, joins his friends the furious five for another adventure.  The antagonist here is a peacock named Lord Shen, who is seeking revenge, but a revenge steeped in an approval seeking manner, an approval he did not get years before, when he was outcast and exiled.

Po is still the bungling, lovable, larger than life, ever hungry panda bear he was in the first film.  At times he is confused, even dumbfounded.  This film is really about Po's search for identity.  It also has messages to send regarding family, friendship and the balancing of your inner being.

The idea that the extraordinary can be found within all of us is apparent from start to finish, just as it was in the original.  This notion is a good message to send to children, as well as for adults.  Some people find their greatness early, some have to experience pain and suffering to find theirs, while others will wait many many years before they find theirs.

Another positive message displayed here is that just because someone may appear cold emotionally, doesn't mean that there isn't a warm heart within them.

In the first film the furious five were pretty efficiently displayed as business all the time.  In this version the Po effect can be clearly seen as it relates to the five.  They are seen much more loose and open to experiencing the fun things in life.  This is portrayed wonderfully in an early scene, where Po is stuffing rolls into his mouth and the five can be seen laughing and cheering him on as he continuously stuffs more and more rolls in his mouth.  

The idea of friendship is seen all throughout the film, but a good example is a scene where genuine concern for Po's well-being is shown by Tigress as she forbids him from joining in the upcoming attack on Lord Chen.

The idea of family is integral to the storyline.  Therefore, that's all I will say about this theme.  Just be aware it's there, and as you watch the film see how the story uses this notion to expand the plot and storyline.

Inner peace, as Master Chifu calls it, is the sense that through balancing out your being, understanding yourself, through reflection, and gaining focus in the most cluttered environments, will unlock the greatness inside of you.  

While there is some animated violence in this film, I wouldn't say there's enough to send out warning flags to parents.  In my opinion this film is suitable for all ages.  It's another of the animated features that, for a while now, adults will also enjoy greatly.

Personally this film stands up well as it's own film.  However, I don't think it comes close to what the first film accomplished. So, go see this film over the long weekend.  Take your kids.  You'll all enjoy it, but don't  expect it to be as good as the original.  

The Hangover Part II

 The Hangover Part II is the second installment of The Hangover franchise.  This film, like the original, is about four friends who get too drunk and have to piece the events from the evening before in a race against time.  

If you saw the original Hangover you will be well aware of the over-the-top antics that will take place in this version.  No, they are not the same, but in theory the plot and the framework are.

Friend getting married.

Friends attend "bachelor party" Bangkok instead of Las Vegas

                                                

Friends wake up hungover in a hotel room.

Friends don't remember a thing.

Friends immediately know some crazy things took place.

Freaking out.

Then the films turn into a mystery.  Clues and bits of info obtained.

Craziness increases as more information is gathered

All hope for a return seems lost

Arrival at Wedding.

Insane pictures are found.  Play over credits.

I don't like giving plots or any major bits of information away but really, what I've listed you already know.

Some other similarities between I & II

Major amounts of Alcohol

Mayhem

Kidnapping

Prostitutes/Strippers

Drug Abuse

Less than desired sexual adventure

Animals  Replace Tiger with Monkey.

Normally sequels let movie-goers down.  I'm on the fence with blindly labeling anything and while this "rule" does typically occur with sequels, I don't think it's necessarily fair. In this case, I wasn't disappointed in the least bit, and I don't think you will be either.

The first film sets everything up for what's to come. The surprise factor is lost for most sequels. Yet, not here, Phillips and co. are basically telling you what to expect, through previews, interviews etc..

Typically a lack of surprise can be attributed primarily to the filmmakers  feeling they need to go above & beyond in the sequels.  Sometimes doing this takes the air out of the balloon, as it becomes so concentrated on getting bigger, going beyond, the structure gets weakened, and the story suffers for it. 

Because movie-goers understand bigger is the normal fare for each sequel in a franchise, their expectations rise and when these lofty expectations are not met, then you have the disappointments that are often talked about in exit interviews, reviews et al.   I'll say it again, I don't necessarily feel that is completely fair.  Allow the sequel to first stand alone before you compare it to previous installments.  That seems much fairer, and in viewing sequels in this matter, you should gain more enjoyment for your dollars and time spent.

The Hangover part II works as a stand alone and as a sequel.  It follows the format that worked in the first film to perfection.  While some of the stunts are a bit over the top, they aren't nearly bigger than the ones in The Hangover Part I.  In my opinion, this is a good thing.  But like I said, those people expecting more may be disappointed.

What people have to realize though, is Part I was so over-the-top, Part II would turn into a farce if they tried toping it.  But the stunts used in this film are on par with Part I as far as being laugh producing.  The main difference, from where I stand, is that these antics seem more realistic, more likely to possibly occur.  You may be saying that's a stretch, but not as much as waking up with a tiger in your hotel room. The stunts, for me, work better, because I can actually see how a few of these incidents could take place in a drunken blackout.  Perhaps this is why I actually think I laughed, if this makes any sense, better during this one, than I did in Part I.  And that's saying a bit, seeing I laughed so much watching Part I in the theater, I was on the verge of tears.

I'm not going to list all the best parts, if you want that you can find it someplace on line.  But this film works on many levels.

1.  Zach Galifianakis, yet again, makes the film. Alan Garner is one of the funniest characters to appear in recent film, and for this reason alone, i'm hoping that they can get everyone back together for a third installment.  

2. Ken Jeong's Chow- rivaled Galifianakis' Alan in the first movie, and while not upstaging him in this film, he layered additional levels of comedic presence.  His character is a likable, yet despicable version of someone everyone has known at one time or another in their lives. 

I credit the writers for finding a way to bring his character back.  I wonder how that thought process worked.  After all, he's not a member of the "Wolf-pack," and seemingly wouldn't be a fit for a second film.  But when you see the manner they "resurrected," Chow, you will be amazed how smoothly his reinsertion was.  Such a simple idea that will probably not get much attention by critics or in reviews.

3.  The monkey.  Can't say too much without risking a spoiler, but this monkey is integral to much of the action & comedy in this film.

4. The Monk.  Just watch the film and you'll see why he's on this list.

5. Solid Storyline.  

6. Solid framework.

Obviously I'm recommending The Hangover part II, but I will say if you thought the original was beneath your taste level, you, then, may want to pass.   The sequel is as every bit seedy, as the Bangkok hotel room the characters awake to.

I'll also recommend that everyone stick around for the credits.  It's worth repeating how funny the photographs are, definitely on par with the ones in the original.

Attitudes of Customers at Discounted Grocery Stores.

Just one of those opinionated afternoons.  

Not sure if everyone has an ALDI in there area.  For those that don't, ALDI is a low priced grocery store.  You can save a lot of money by shopping at these types of stores.  They offer lower prices because they have their own brands.  For instance their wide variety of low fat-low calorie line of products are called Fit & Active, but basically they are the Fiber Ones, Weight Watchers etc.. of the world, repackaged and discounted.  

When I go to ALDI, I go for one or two items.  I happen to like their Cottage Cheese better than the local grocery stores in the area.  It's about .30 cheaper than the name brands, but for whatever reason I like the taste better.  So today, like I typically do each week, I stopped in for Cottage Cheese and Cottage Cheese alone.  But this store, seems to only ever have one checkout lane open.  I can understand that.  The more lanes open, the more employees on hand, which in the long run would equate to an increase in product price.  But what I can't understand is the miserability index being through the roof with the customers that shop here.

I always seem to get stuck behind people that have 100 items, while I have one.  So, as I do each time this occurs, I nicely ask if me and my one item can jump ahead in line, ahead of them and their 100 items. Well, I'd have to say, in this store, and this store only, regardless of store location, the people will say no roughly 75% of the time.  More often than not you also get their miserable life story to go with it.  While I can't agree with their decision to make me or any other person, because it can't just be me that this happens to, wait in line while their carts of food are cashed out, I can at least acknowledge that they have every right to say whatever they want to say.  But what I cannot accept is these people having to share their misery.  I'm an empathetic person by nature, but not when I'm trying to be a single item in a grocery store.

My mother, who most of the time, is my sounding board, tells me just not to ask anymore.  To which I can understand this logic.  I also practiced the leave the item and go buy it elsewhere routine.  But really why should someone have to do  that.  

My suggestion to ALDI.  Train your cashiers, or put up signs of some sort, that state if someone in line, immediately behind you have one or two even three items, than be courteous and let them skip ahead of you, if you have a large purchase to make.  It seems to be a fair solution.  Or perhaps I should just stoop to the level of the, ever too quickly to reveal their agonizing life, customer and retort just as rudely.

But perhaps it shouldn't surprise me that those shopping at discount stores are doing so, for the most part, to save money.  To need to save money usually indicates a level of anxiety in that person's life.  That anxiety can lead to behavioral shifts.  Therefore resulting in the misery they not only possess, but choose to, so eagerly spew onto others, who are probably just as miserable as they are.  Some of us though, would just rather keep their misery a private matter, when it comes to shopping in a grocery store.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, is the much anticipated latest installment for the Capt. Jack Sparrow franchise.  This edition does not return all of the cast from the previous films, but it does bring back Johnny Depp, whom without, their would be a meager enthusiasm, at least for this movie-goer.

Johnny Depp reprises his role as Sparrow, who is, in typical POTC fashion, getting himself in early trouble, this time with England.  But in typically Sparrow improvisation, he swings, kicks, stumbles and leverages his way out of one troublesome scenario into another, that may be deadlier still.  Also returning is Sparrow's on-going battle between selfish behavior and his feelings for others.  I won't spoil the how's or the what happens though, as these moments are firmly entwined into the enjoyment experience of watching Depp do Sparrow.

This type of big budget, summer blockbuster is an event, in and of itself.  It has the high theatrics of any Bruckheimer produced far.  It has gained much hype from the various media outlets, possibly due to a seemingly ever expanding marketing budget that is typical for any expected blockbuster.

I for one do not buy into the hype these blockbusters garner. However, I do buy into Depp.  He may be the best male lead in the business, but that of course is subjective.  Regardless of coronation, Depp is easily in this type of conversation.  Most of these big budget blockbusters have some sort of punch in terms of star power.  Yet, most also leave you disappointed, in one way or another.  Not the case for Pirates.  Depp is perfect in the roles he takes on and Captain Jack is the epitome of an actor nailing their role.  And to think Depp never watches any of his own films.

Aside from acting prowess, if you enjoyed the first editions of POTC, you will enjoy this chapter as well.  Beautiful cinematography, wonderful costumes and detail orientated settings combine with a decent storyline and the expected special effects to satisfy most moviegoers.

I'm not going to blindly compare the different POTC films, it wouldn't seem fair.  I've but seen On Stranger Tides once, and the others at least a half dozen times each. But in honesty, I can say, the acting is what you should expect from a Geoffrey Rush, Johnny Depp offering.  Penelope Cruz, a big name, but underrated still, did a nice job as the female lead in Tides.  I would be remiss if I didn't mention the terrific job of, the almost incomparable, Ian McShane, as the legendary Blackbeard.

What was missing?  If I had to, off the cusp style, pick something, anything, I'd have to dig a little, but would eventually arrive at storyline.  Although I did enjoy the story, I found it wasn't as layered as perhaps The Curse.., but there could be numerous explanations for this.  Possibilities ranging from scripting to editing or perhaps simply something attributable to me as a viewer.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides was not the film I was most looking forward to seeing this summer.  It was clearly behind Larry Crowne, Green Lantern, Super 8 and The Hangover 2, but it just seems appropriate for Pirates to kick the summer movie-going season off. Doesn't it. Aye.

Dreaming in Darkness by Jessica Kristie

Dreaming in Darkness is a journey of emotion.  It is a voyage of transformation. At times it is a place to empathize. You will find a smile creep across your lips.  You will undoubtedly have sympathy take hold of your hand as you travel the course Jessica lays out page by page.

The book is broken down into four sections. The first is entitled Glimpses of the Sun, which is composed of six articles of poetry.  Next is Dreaming in Darkness and the twenty-four pieces it offers.  Love, Lust and the Magic of Desperation contains twenty-one pieces which help bring this journey to a close. The last section is a collection of seven prose poems labeled as Moments.

A traditional method to compose a review or critique, for a book of poetry, is to identify several poems and explain or dissect their meaning.  This is not a method I abide by.  I don't feel it fair to explain each poem, nor do I feel it just to critique something possessing so many possibilities.  I strongly believe in poetry, for what it is, a tool for the reader to examine themselves, as they walk in the shadow of the poet.  What may seem obvious to one person may be defined as completely opposite for the very next.  Sure, when reading a poem, you may see no other possible analysis or meaning to those specific lines of poetry.  Yet, even in such cases, just because you see, hear or feel something, doesn't mean anything to the relevance your sentiment has upon the poet or their poetry.  Actually, a caveat, what you feel is exactly the poet's intent. It is what they crave, when they first put pen to paper.  This is the majesty of poetry.  Poetry can, and most times will, have unlimited meaning.  An idea that holds true, even when the poet discusses their inspiration.

Therefore I will not offer my interpretation, of the fifty-eight pieces in Dreaming In Darkness.  What I will do is examine this book from a broader perspective.

Jessica truly does have a way of weaving words.  She doesn't dangle abstraction for abstraction's sake.  There are plenty of intricate and metaphorical moments throughout Dreaming in Darkness, yet each contributes intrinsically to the overall design.

She takes you on a personal expedition.  You will travel from a baseline of personality, as seen in Glimpses.., to a dark and saddened distortion of that persona in Dreaming.., only to find catharsis in Love, Lust..  The section on prose does a nice job of summation, lending a few surprises I will not sour by identifying.

The moods are pronouncedly different as you move from section to section.  Just by looking at the language, you get a tremor, a sense of what is being said.  Her use of white space and systematic spacing assist this breadth of transformation .  Normalcy moves to abstraction which leads to depression.  Sadness then meets up with ambivalence and the cycle rises past normalcy to discovery and dare I say a glimmering epiphany.

The themes used in Dreaming in Darkness are universal for mankind.  You will find yourself identifying with themes like reflection, affirmation, loss, surrender, life, creation, anger, vengeance, sorrow and discovery to name but a few.  You may find yourself drifting from Jessica's words to your own memories and back.  She connects.

Her writing illustrates how human experience, while greatly personal, has a scope that transcends boundaries.

After reading Dreaming in Darkness:

You will find answers you didn't know you were looking for.  You will rediscover images you weren't ready to address, yet alarmingly you will find yourself strong enough for confrontation.

Without knowing Jessica Kristie on a personal level, you will feel as if you've shared many a midnight conversation, over coffee at a mainly barren diner.  The kind with pleather seats and awkwardly discolored linoleum.  Dim lights hanging overhead, as you stir the spoon, around and around, as life unfolds.

You will find that your emptiness, those troubles you've been bottling inside of you, for only God knows how long, are echoed by another.  Thus realizing you may not be as alone as you previously thought.  Which that, in and of itself, is something you should always seek and strive toward.

You will certainly decide to type @jesskristie into the who to follow search space on twitter.

You will definitely want to frequent her blog where the conversation is continued at jessicakristie.com

And perhaps, you will be inspired to join in a poetical conversation of your own.

Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids is the latest film to attempt a cash-in off the widespread success of The Hangover.  This film in fact is being marketed as "The Hangover" for women.  Personally I feel the message being sent out to potential filmgoers is incorrect.  This movie, outside the pre-running wedding traditions used in both, is a much different film than the insanity that is The Hangover.  However there are a few similarities between the two.

1. The above mentioned Pre-Wedding traditional ritual that is used as backdrop for both films

2.  Each Film has a well cast, diversely scripted, group of Bridesmaids/Groomsmen.

3.  Animals appear in both with The Hangover winning the comparison for comedic usage(s)

4.  Each film had at least one breakout performance.  The Hangover had Bradley Cooper and Zach Galafianakis and Bridesmaids has Melissa McCarthy.

I don't see Kristen Wiig as qualifying for breakout status.  In my opinion she's pretty much already established herself.  But I do feel this was by far her most layered as well as being her best performance. She's a quality actress in her own right, but having cowrote the screenplay certainly can't hurt syncing up with your character.

The Hangover was pure insanity from start to finish.  It was one crazy antic running into the next.  Bridesmaids wasn't the all out comedic assault like The Hangover, but it was a very funny film, with numerous laugh out loud moments.

Bridesmaids uses, Maya Rudolph's character,Lillian's Wedding as a vehicle for comedy, but more so as a structure for Kristen Wiig's character, Annie Walker( No relation to USA networks and Piper Perabo's Annie Walker in Covert Affairs) to unravel throughout the film.

Annie has had her share of tough times.  A failed business, an inability to sustain relationships, (whether they leave her, she gets involved with complete idiots, or because of her past failures she doesn't know how to react when a good one does come along), to go along with self esteem issues.  Each of her problems is nicely contrasted in the film.

The image of her failed bakery is shown a few times and mention a few more which really bolster her "defeatist" personality.  Everyone she knows is in a relationship except for her best friend forever, and then she goes and gets engaged.  Economic issues are highlighted throughout the film, again with the failed business venture, the british brother and sister who she shares an apartment with, and Helen, the well to do trophy wife that becomes her nemesis.  Combine these issues and a deteriorating mindset and you can count on laughs to produce.

This film may be about Lillian's wedding but this film was about Annie.  That said, this film would just be an average comedy if not for Megan, Melissa McCarthy's character, who completely steals the show and is worth the admission cost alone.  McCarthy is everything Galafianakis is to the Hangover and perhaps, in a different capacity much more.

So while the comparisons are there between Bridesmaids and The Hangover they are superficial comparisons.  The comedic activity in between the credits are much different, yet both work very well.  I would recommend Bridesmaids to anyone that likes to laugh, because you will.

Something Borrowed

Something Borrowed, Review of the Film, but the book is available at booksellers nationwide, including Amazon.com.  I find films rarely live up to the novels from which they are formed and have included a convenient link in case you would like to head down that path.

Typically I won't be reviewing this type of film. No, I have nothing against films based on books, nor do I against films primarily marketed to the female demographic.  In fact, keep this a secret, I actually enjoy films that deal with the inner workings of relationships, adjustment, transition and Love.  However, that all said, I rarely spend the money to go see this style of film at the theater.  Netflix or cable, sure.

Anyhow, I did go and see Something Borrowed yesterday, and not because I was under any obligation to another person.  The reason I saw this film is, by all confessional standards, shallow.  Ever since I first saw Big Love on HBO I've been mesmerized by Ginnifer Goodwin.  I can't pinpoint the reason other than the simplicity of her being I find genuinely attractive. Very few actresses have the box office draw/magnetizing control over me.  I can name them on six fingers.  But I'm getting beside myself here.

A caveat:  I did not read the novel by Emily Griffin, but as with all books to film, I like to see the creation from each aspect, therefore I will do that eventually, and most likely revisit this review at that point.

From a film standpoint:  The setting of NYC offers overdone but never passe visuals.  The buildings, the streets, the small shops.  Without gushing too much, it's a city like no other.  But what I find so nice about this film is the contrasting settings and all that go with them, between NYC and the Hamptons.  The two, despite their relative proximity to one another are two completely separate worlds, from the hustle and bustle, overcrowded streets of NYC to the sprawling landscapes and relaxing transparency of the Hamptons.  For the purpose of this film the contrast goes much deeper.  Two best friends, Goodwin and Kate Hudson, are so close yet so far apart in so many categories it's a wonder how they could be or could ever have been close to one another.

What I Liked the most:  The well drawn, if not exaggerated, characters. Each character had their own appeal and defective parts.  Without examining each character from an individual viewpoint, I would like to mention how, again, a well drawn compare/contrast is effectively displayed.

Hudson's and Goodwin's characters I've touched upon but a subtle reflection/symmetry is seen through Dex and Marcus.  This isn't as well defined as the Hudson/Goodwin dynamic but it is a nice mirroring provided for the audience.

What I disliked:  Ethan, the male confidant to Goodwin's character got the shaft.  It was painfully obvious how his character felt towards her, and his relationship was again a reflection of the unsaid, fear and letting go that her character for the longest time felt for Dex.  When he did tell her how he felt, it obviously wasn't going to work out, which he knew beforehand, yet because of all his preaching to her about laying all  your cards on the table and to be decisive he practiced what he preached.

I guess I found this unsettling, not in the portrayal or the dynamic itself, but because it happens.  Who hasn't felt so much for someone else only to have them love someone else.  Hits home.  This wouldn't have been so dramatic if, at least in my mind, Ethan deserved her and Dex did not.

Anyhow if you've read the book or are a fan of this style of film, or simply like watching the inner workings of relationship, this film is for you, or could be for you.  If you are looking for a romantic comedy, although Something Borrowed has its moments, this film may not be for you.  If you need a small to medium cathartic cry, you may be surprised how easily you'll relate to, or at the least have seen before, each of these types of characters, and therefore become vested in their success and/or failures.

Thor

Thor Basic Helmet

Thor, starring Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman.

Opening May 6th, 2011

First off, I take these comic to film adaptations with a grain of salt.  They aren't going to do everything you had imagined.  They aren't going to live up to the lofty expectations you may have had.  With that aside, the overwhelming slew of comic book/graphic novels into movies are creating some of the better films, storyline and action wise.

This all makes sense though.  The groundwork has already been done for the screenwriter and in some part for the director.

Most do not live up to the hype.  Thor, does a better job than a lot, but this film is a bit different, in that the comic is actually a very loose interpretation of the Norse myth.

But from comic to film, this was well done.  Sure I would have liked to see more of Loki, especially at the very end.  Loki's actually in the movie close to equal camera time as Thor is, but the omission of a sequel set up was disappointing for me. That and the absence of the Midgard Serpent, which would have been cool but not really needed for the first film.

Really though, that's my biggest negative I have.  If I were to compare this film to Norse Myth, surely I would have many more, but that just isn't fair, seeing the film is based on the comic Thor.

What I liked:  I saw the 3D version so the visuals were great. Asgaard itself was a marvel to look at, as was Jotunheim.  The action took a second seat to storyline, which is rare for "action" films, but it was well done.

I also think they did a nice and SUBTLE job of foreshadowing the Avengers film.  The end of Hulk was painfully obvious.  We didn't see that hear.  All we had was Shield.  From Shield we heard Tony Stark's name mentioned as they faced off with Destroyer.  Besides that we had an obscure reference to Banner, The hulk.

If you didn't follow the comic book it may be a bit difficult to catch on to the Nordic names, but you'll catch on soon enough.  Besides that this is a film for anyone interested in heroes, engaging battle scenes and stories of internal conflict within the family unit.

Fast Five

Fast Five

The latest installment of The Fast & The Furious franchise.  Much maligned actor Vin Diesel rejoins franchise conspirators Paul Walker and Jordana Brewster for this edition of the series.

What's the same:  Cars, great driving and amazing stunts using, yep, cars.  The three have a "job" to do with the obvious complication of being misunderstood fugitives from justice.

In this edition we see the return of Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Matt Schulze, Sung Kang and Gal Gadot, Tego Calderon and Don Omar from the earlier F&F films.

What's New:  Fast Five takes place in Brazil, Rio De Janiero to be precise. We get some excellent visuals from the favela communities.  Dwayne Johnson is the major new addition.  He plays Hobbs, the "always get my man", FBI agent.  While known for his toughness, "The Rock" was even more bad ass in this film than his previous roles.

While movies like Fast Five aren't known for their exceptional acting, I have to say the acting was believable and each actor did a nice job with their individual roles.

Why should I go:  The action scenes follow the earlier films in putting together excellent car chases and schemes.  Also, the battle between Dom and Hobbs,(Diesel & Rock) was well done.  It does the job entertaining you for the 2+hours.

If you're a fan of the franchise it's a must see, just to see the development of Buster, Dom and Mia.  But as mentioned the action and plot is on par with the other films.

If you need any more motivation to see FF, did I mention the film has some extremely beautiful female characters, none better than Jordana Brewster.

Personally I still find the original and Tokyo Drift as my favorites in the series but Fast Five fits perfectly in the design of the franchise.