Really liked the first film in the 'Fast...' film series from the late 30s, comprising of three films starting with 'Fast Company' and finishing with 'Fast and Furious'. Moderately liked if not loved the next film 'Fast and Loose', which had a better female lead and better leads chemistry but the plot wasn't as focused. So hopes were understandably reasonably high for 'Fast and Furious', again with changes to the cast and directed by Busby Berkeley in a relatively atypical film for him.
'Fast and Furious' is a decent time passer and not too bad a way to finish a film series that is not bad at all. There are inevitable but slightly unfair comparisons to 'The Thin Man' films, for reasons described in my review for 'Fast and Loose', but these three films don't fare too unfavourably and fare quite well on their own terms (especially 'Fast Company'). 'Fast and Furious' doesn't disappoint too much, it's not a great film in my view but it entertains enough and is above average at least. Of the three films though, it's perhaps the weakest.
There is a lot to like here. It is slickly and attractively made, not lavish or too fancy but there isn't a cheapness about it and it doesn't look rushed. Berkeley's direction is more subdued to usual, not his usual elaborate and dazzling visual extravaganzas that made the musicals choreographed by him so memorable and the complete opposite to that but he didn't seem uninterested or ill at ease with the material. The music is not quite William Axt level, who excelled in the previous two films, but has some nice atmosphere without being too heavy or too serious.
Script has some nice wit and snap and doesn't seem muddled, again like 'Fast and Loose' the comedy does fare better than the mystery and much of it amuses. The story is easier to follow than that for 'Fast and Loose' and generally compels, enough of it being lively. Franchot Tone is charming and suave and has a likeable chemistry with the not as subtle but "still giving it everything she's got" Ann Sothern. The supporting cast are all strong, Ruth Hussey and hilarious Frank Orth (as one of the most entertaining characters) coming off strongest.
Again, the mystery could have been a little better with more surprises and suspense. It's easier to follow here and with less of an overlong feel but there is a routine feel at times. The pace is generally solid but the film does have dull stretches, with the early portions taking a little long to find its rhythm, and more energy and tension wouldn't have gone amiss.
Like before, there could have been fewer characters and not all of them seemed necessary.
In conclusion, not great but nice enough. 6/10
'Fast and Furious' is a decent time passer and not too bad a way to finish a film series that is not bad at all. There are inevitable but slightly unfair comparisons to 'The Thin Man' films, for reasons described in my review for 'Fast and Loose', but these three films don't fare too unfavourably and fare quite well on their own terms (especially 'Fast Company'). 'Fast and Furious' doesn't disappoint too much, it's not a great film in my view but it entertains enough and is above average at least. Of the three films though, it's perhaps the weakest.
There is a lot to like here. It is slickly and attractively made, not lavish or too fancy but there isn't a cheapness about it and it doesn't look rushed. Berkeley's direction is more subdued to usual, not his usual elaborate and dazzling visual extravaganzas that made the musicals choreographed by him so memorable and the complete opposite to that but he didn't seem uninterested or ill at ease with the material. The music is not quite William Axt level, who excelled in the previous two films, but has some nice atmosphere without being too heavy or too serious.
Script has some nice wit and snap and doesn't seem muddled, again like 'Fast and Loose' the comedy does fare better than the mystery and much of it amuses. The story is easier to follow than that for 'Fast and Loose' and generally compels, enough of it being lively. Franchot Tone is charming and suave and has a likeable chemistry with the not as subtle but "still giving it everything she's got" Ann Sothern. The supporting cast are all strong, Ruth Hussey and hilarious Frank Orth (as one of the most entertaining characters) coming off strongest.
Again, the mystery could have been a little better with more surprises and suspense. It's easier to follow here and with less of an overlong feel but there is a routine feel at times. The pace is generally solid but the film does have dull stretches, with the early portions taking a little long to find its rhythm, and more energy and tension wouldn't have gone amiss.
Like before, there could have been fewer characters and not all of them seemed necessary.
In conclusion, not great but nice enough. 6/10