Fast X

It’s fitting that the first two sequences in Fast X are an elaborate car chase followed by an intimate family barbecue, because that pretty much defines the Fast & Furious franchise at this point.

Ten films and 22 years into the series — which isn’t slowing down anytime soon — it’s all about fan service for the legions of devotees who treat each installment like a reunion among friends who share an affinity for machines that are fast and loud.

They probably won’t care that the basic concept lost its freshness long ago or that emotional depth and narrative logic still take a backseat to over-the-top mayhem punctuated by a barrage of screeching tires and pyrotechnics.

Every sequel, it seems, revolves around raising the bar in terms of visual spectacle, exotic locales, visual effects, stunt work, car chases, clever titles, and cameos.

This latest film follows the same frenetic template. Yet even by series standards, the globetrotting plot bridging the set pieces feels uninspired and rudimentary as it funnels toward an obligatory high-stakes final showdown.

As always, the storyline is driven by shifting loyalties and cloudy motives surrounding covert government agent Dominic (Vin Diesel), who’s targeted by a vendetta from a sadistic adversary, Dante (Jason Momoa).

That sends Dominic back into action along with his regular crew — Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Mia (Jordana Brewster), Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges), Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel), and Han (Sung Kang). Meanwhile, as Dominic’s family is threatened, his young son (Leo Abelo Perry) flees with Dominic’s brother (John Cena) for protection.

With considerably more brawn than brains, the follow-up from French director Louis Leterrier (Now You See Me) features a handful of amusing quips and a menacing villain in the flamboyant Dante.

Some of the action scenes are genuinely thrilling, of course, such as an armored truck chase through the streets of Rome, an intense street race in Rio, and a perilous mid-flight plane escape.

There’s a mix of new and familiar faces, with appearances this go-around including Jason Statham, Helen Mirren, Charlize Theron, Brie Larson, Rita Moreno, Scott Eastwood, Pete Davidson, a deepfake of the late Paul Walker, and more.

As a series motivated more by financial than creative ambitions, there’s not much incentive to change the formula. Perhaps it deserves credit for longevity, but with Fast X, it feels like the franchise is running out of gas.

Rated PG-13, 141 minutes.