Need for Speed, the story of an illegal street racer stars Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad fame, Dominic Cooper, Imogen Poots and Michael Keaton. Tobey Marshall (played by Paul) is fresh out of prision when he attempts to travel cross-country to compete in the most celebrated underground supercar race, the Deleon. Directed by Scott Waugh and written by George and John Gatins, the film is based on the most successful Electronic Arts racing video game series, having sold over 140 million copies worldwide.
The film opens on Marshall Motors, the struggling garage owned by Tobey, where he and his crew build muscle cars and race them in their spare time. In an attempt to save his family garage after his father’s death, Tobey grudgingly agrees to re-build a Shelby Mustang for Dino Brewster (Cooper), the typical hometown boy turned arrogant pro driver that moviegoers love to hate.
When Dino’s ego enters into the business deal, things take a turn for the worse and Tobey ends up in jail, framed, on a charge of manslaughter. The story picks back up two years later, when Tobey is released from prison and his mission of revenge and, ultimately, redemption begins.
While the plot may be thin in some places, the gorgeous cars (Koenigsegg Agera, Saleens, Bugatti Veyrons, Camaros to name a few) and real-life driving tricks are enough to keep you interested in Tobey and his crew of rag-tag mechanics. High-speed car chases and races keep you on the edge of your seat, while the first person POV driving shots give an elegant nod towards the film’s video game roots without being too erroneous.
Do-or-die adrenaline junkies will not be disappointed.
In theatres nationwide March 14, 2014.
