My relationship with the Fast and the Furious franchise has always felt like a turbulent rollercoaster ride filled with unwanted loops. Still, through all the bumps, I’ve remained a fan. With F9, I thought the track was finally off the ride, and my expectations for any subsequent entries were low.

A franchise that began as a 2000’s Point Break was now on its last legs, and with news that the final entry, Fast X, would be split into two films and now this week’s rumors of a final trilogy, I’d be more excited for a sequel to Tommy Wiseau’s The Room than Fast X. However, as it sometimes arrives with films with little to no expectations, Fast X has an Infinity War-like feel to an eventual Endgame.

There’s suspending your disbelief, and then there’s Fast X. A film rich with dazzling and stunning set pieces that leave The Fate of the Furious and F9 in the dust.

Fast X brings cinephiles back into the lives of Dominic Toretto and his beloved family. While Dom and his family remain “freelancers” for The Agency, a face from Dom’s past, who we’ve never seen, reenters Dom’s life as Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa), son of Fast Five’s baddie, Hernan Reyes, seeking revenge for the loss of not just his father but his family fortune.

Fast X shines brightest in its action set pieces and production design, led by a bombastic sequence in Rome that rivals the best in the series thus far. Channeling both the over-the-top nature of the franchise and homaging Raiders of the Lost Ark‘s iconic boulder sequence, its cinematic destruction has never looked more stunning.

While nothing in the rest of the film matches Rome, the ridiculousness that stems from every entry is on display. It’s as though Zack Snyder injected his slow-mo mentality into the movie with sequences that bring unwanted laughs.

Speaking of hilarity, a franchise not known for its compelling screenplays may have arrived at its worst. Dan Mazeau and Justin Lin’s script evokes unintentional cringe reactions that can lead some to believe Chat GPT assisted in the making of this screenplay. Unfortunately, it’s not just wrong. It’s astonishingly poor.

Along with the action set pieces, the film shines brightest in the chemistry between its cast. It’s not like most of this ensemble hasn’t worked together for two decades. In regards to the newcomers, the return of John Cena is welcomed as his strengths are on full display, and his comedic timing and chemistry with Leo Abelo Perry is one of Fast X’s highlights.

Jason Momoa deserves a standing ovation for his zany, campy, hilarious and menacing performance cementing his place at the top of the franchise’s best villains. Momoa’s charm is fully displayed and commands the audience’s attention anytime he enters. He understood the assignment and we’re all the better for it.

Fast X will not bring new fans into the fold. However, the film does its best to get faith back to those who felt the tires were coming off this car. So if you’ve suspended your disbelief for 20 years, prepare for even more nonsensical summer blockbuster action and surprises leading to jaw-dropping and eye-rolling results.