Fast Five (2011)

Koehler calls it the best entry in the series so far and says its blend of familiar elements and novelty should delight audiences. He especially praises the breakneck pacing and the elaborate Rio heist and chase sequences.

Tobias finds the film a streamlined, hugely satisfying action sequel that turns its absurdity into an asset. He praises the well-orchestrated setpieces, while noting its troubling destruction of Rio’s poor favelas.

Jones finds the film enormously enjoyable, praising its high-velocity action and returning cast. He says Justin Lin’s picturesque swooping shots are the only blot.

The critic finds it the series’ most entertaining entry despite its clunky scenes and excessive length. Dwayne Johnson’s larger-than-life presence and the extravagantly destructive final chase stand out for praise.

Ebert gives the film a positive verdict, finding it an effective action spectacle. He singles out the ensemble’s chemistry and the heist’s entertaining scale.

Dargis’s verdict is broadly positive, presenting the film as an especially entertaining entry in the series. She singles out its energetic action spectacle as a key strength.

Foundas suggests the fifth installment is a success for fans of lowbrow vehicular mayhem. The standfirst singles out its appeal to lovers of that kind of action.

Sharkey finds the film an audacious, entertaining action spectacle, calling it the best entry in the series so far. She praises the rooftop footrace and Diesel–Johnson clashes, but says the long finale and overall runtime should have been cut down.

Lehmann finds the film a gleefully silly, durable action spectacle that restores goodwill toward the franchise. She praises its metal-crunching set pieces, especially the vault careening through Rio, while noting the weak acting and thin plot.

The critic gives the film a qualified yes, while questioning whether the franchise deserves its progressive reputation. They single out its abundance of hugging and mugging, alongside its approach to race.

The three-star rating suggests a mixed-to-positive verdict, while the review notes the franchise’s surprising longevity. The available text does not reveal what else the critic singles out for praise or complaint.

Mottram finds it an entertaining, full-throttle action film that understands its audience, though it is no mould-breaker. He singles out the train hijacking as the standout sequence and praises Dwayne Johnson’s fit with the franchise.

French finds the film predictable and overindulgent, despite its spectacular action. He singles out the elaborate car theft and safe-dragging stunts, which he says seem to go on for ever.

The critic finds the film a dim-witted, generic heist story that abandons the franchise’s distinctive focus. He praises the momentum and brawn of the opening sequence and finale, but complains that the rest is weighed down by a shopworn plot and stock elements.

Lambie finds the film an absurd but hugely entertaining, high-octane action movie. He praises its technical craft and spectacular set pieces, while criticizing the weak writing and slow stretches between them.

The review finds the film entertaining despite its excessive length, violence, and diminished car-culture appeal. It praises Lin’s staging and pacing, especially in the climactic vault-dragging chase.

Kermode finds the film an enjoyable, energetic success despite its excessive length and formulaic plot. She particularly praises the inventive, destructive car-action set pieces and their pacing.