NEED FOR SPEED

Basically…
After being framed by wealthy businessman, Dino, (Dominic Cooper), Tobey, (Aaron Paul), is released from prison with a hunger for both revenge and justice. Embarking on a cross country race he heads to California for the ultimate clash of minds, morals and wheels.

In other words…
A car chase with equal measures of sexiness and real emotion.

The main men and leading ladies…
Playing the likable Tobey, this feels like an easy role for Aaron Paul, the nation’s favourite following his Breaking Bad escapades. But then again, he can do no wrong and the audience was rooting for him before the film had even begun. Dominic Cooper is well suited to the role of the bad guy, while Imogen Poots continues to make a real impact. Having been around for ages, the daughter in 28 Weeks Later never really sprung onto the scene properly until featuring in Filth and That Awkward Moment in recent months. She starts off as the annoying English girl with attitude but you grow to love her quirky side quickly, and there’s a real chemistry between her and Aaron Paul.

In the chair…
Scott Waugh is still a newbie when it comes to taking to the chair as he’s obviously a lot more comfortable getting caught up in the heat of things. Surprising as it this stunt man has turned to work behind the camera, it’s not so much of a shock his biggest work to date is a pulsating all-action experience. He did stunts for the original Spiderman movies, Batman Forever too, and even turned up as a terrorist in 24 during his acting days. 

So…?
Some reviews have deemed this the worst video game adaptation of all time – but let’s face it – has there ever been a good one? There’s only so much you can do with a two minute car chase when adapting it into a two hour film. It does enough to make sure it doesn’t alienate the non-car people, but has clearly done its research into recent drift trends to entertain those in the know. It might take itself more seriously than the Fast and Furious films but in terms of entertainment value this has it all. There’s an actual plot! A real storyline - that as daft as it may be - adds meaning to the chase scenes and a reason for willing them on to succeed. The action and effects grip you so much you don’t realise you've stopped scoffing your popcorn and it's also unusual to connect so deeply with characters in this sort of movie, feel real empathy for them and leave wanting more.

Worth the money? 
For a bit of fun with friends? Definitely.