The Epic Speed Stunt That Has Everyone Talking As Movie Goes On-demand
Fast X races onto VOD after a brief stint in theaters, but its explosive action has some questioning its reception in the US
Fans are buzzing about one of the most outrageous moments in Fast X, now available on VOD after its theatrical release on May 19. The latest installment in the Fast Saga, which includes the spinoff Hobbs & Shaw, sees Vin Diesel's character Dom Toretto and his family taking on their newest adversary, Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa), the son of Fast Five villain Hernan Reyes.
Since the VOD premiere, fans who missed the chance to see it in theaters have been catching up on the action. One scene in particular, where Dom's son jumps between two speeding cars, has sparked a heated discussion on social media. While some fans are criticizing the movie for its disregard for physics and logic, others are embracing the over-the-top, superhero movie-style action. The debate rages on, with passionate reactions from both sides.
Is Fast X's Divisive Action Why It's Suffering in the U.S.?
One of the reasons why Fast X is being released on streaming platforms so soon after its theatrical debut is due to the underwhelming performance of the movie in the domestic market. Despite grossing over half a billion dollars globally within a span of three weeks, the movie's massive production budget of $340 million, not including publicity costs, makes it unlikely that it has turned a significant profit yet, if any at all.
The early VOD release by Universal this weekend may help boost its overall gross, but it appears that the dwindling U.S. prospects is the reason behind it. Fans have been calling out online about the exact type of scene that could be contributing to its struggling stateside performance. As the franchise has progressed, it has become more expansive and over-the-top, which seems to have alienated viewers who were more in tune with the original movies' straightforward crime thriller feel. Different cultural contexts may also influence how the action is received, with physics-defying action being a staple in Bollywood cinema. As a result, markets in and around India may have no trouble relating to Fast X. Conversely, American action tends to aim for a more believable experience, which may explain why the response has been lukewarm so far.
Source: Various (see above)
