From Humble Beginnings to the Face of Fast and Furious
When you think of Vin Diesel, which character comes to mind? It’s not Richard B. Riddick, although he’s undeniably cool. Instead, it’s Dominic Toretto, the family-obsessed protagonist of the Fast and Furious franchise. This character has become synonymous with Vin Diesel himself. Sure, he also voices Groot, but that’s just his voice. What truly embodies Vin Diesel is the muscle-bound, race car-loving mechanic who seems impervious to harm.
Initially, I was on board with this invincible persona, but after catching up with the latest Fast and Furious installment, I believe they’ve pushed the limit. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Hobbs and Shaw, but that’s because it focused on Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham being their charismatic selves. The movie stretched the boundaries of believability, but it was still entertaining. So, what does the future hold for the Fast and Furious franchise? As long as Dominic Toretto keeps flexing those biceps and preaching about family, he’ll remain at the helm.
The Shift from Street Racing to Over-the-Top Action
I fondly remember when the Fast and Furious movies revolved around street racing and the importance of family. Now, they’re all about outrageous action sequences and, of course, family. While the former was captivating in the beginning, it has become increasingly ludicrous (pun intended) and the constant family speeches have grown tiresome. Each movie seems to be a competition to outdo the previous one in terms of insane action, and with every installment, Dominic Toretto becomes more powerful. This is where my issue with the character lies.
You could call him Dom, but you might as well call him Superman. The only thing he’s missing is the ability to fly – but who knows, maybe that’s coming next. At this point, would anyone be surprised? Despite his annoying invincibility, we can’t deny that Dominic Toretto has become a somewhat dull protagonist.
Dom’s Transformation from Relatable to Invulnerable
Don’t get me wrong, I like Dom, and I appreciate Vin Diesel’s dedication to the role. However, with each movie, I grow more exhausted watching Toretto escape danger unscathed. When he is in peril, it’s never truly serious. It doesn’t matter if his car plummets off a cliff and smashes into a thousand rocks – he’ll emerge without a scratch. This invulnerability has become a defining characteristic of Dom, and it’s disappointing.
In the beginning, Dom was a career criminal who led a tight-knit crew like a family. This made him an intriguing character. But by the third or fourth movie, he began transforming into a bald Superman. Now, it’s his show, especially with the tragic passing of Paul Walker and the Rock’s apparent departure. But it’s all good, because Dominic Toretto is the heart of Fast and Furious. He keeps the franchise moving and his family united.
Family and Invincibility: A Tiring Combination
Dominic Toretto survives everything because of his family. The power of family protects him and his loved ones from harm. While I can accept this to an extent, it’s hard to root for Dom when he’s fighting other characters. With each movie, he grows stronger, making him a repetitive and boring protagonist. Even Riddick, a legitimately enhanced human, has faced defeat and injury in his encounters. This vulnerability makes him more relatable and human, raising the stakes in his story.
For Dom, his journey revolves around building and protecting his family. While this isn’t inherently bad, and I enjoy seeing new characters join the franchise, it would be refreshing to see Dom lose a fight once in a while. This would make him more human and create a more engaging protagonist. As the Fast and Furious movies eventually come to an end, it would be fitting for Dom to face an ultimate physical challenge that tests his invincibility and reminds us that even heroes can be hurt.
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