Faster

• A heart-hammering sensation at Slamdance, Faster is an electrifying tribute to the white-knuckle world of the Motorcycle Grand Prix--the fastest sport on two wheels--where only the most audacious competitors race at speeds over 200mph and crash at over 100mph. Narrated by Ewan McGregor (Big Fish, Star Wars: Episodes I-III), Faster chases two seasons worth of the world championship, featuring revea

After 10 years in prison, Driver (Dwayne Johnson) has focused on one thing â€" hunting down the people responsible for brutally murdering his brother. Now a free man with a terrifying purpose, he sets out to find and kill all those on his list. But on his heals are two men who will do anything to stop him â€" a veteran cop (Billy Bob Thornton) and a hitman (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) who finds his match in this worthy opponent. Now, the hunter is also the hunted.In Faster revenge is a dish best se! rved quickly and with no remorse. Dwayne Johnson's character Driver has few lines, instead letting his actions--and the growls of the muscle car he's driving--speak volumes. Driver (given no other name for the duration of the movie) is released from prison, for crimes not initially noted, and immediately sets out in a fast car with a gun and a mission of revenge. He is coldly efficient with his kills, wasting no time or bullets as he delivers his brand of justice. The puzzle pieces of his crusade are snapped together with each victim he goes after; this is not a man who kills for the thrill. Each victim is specially selected, and Driver wants each to see his face to understand why they are being executed. Nor does he bother hiding his face from surveillance cameras or the police detectives (Billy Bob Thornton, Carla Gugino) chasing him. Driver is not a man who cares if he's caught, so long as he gets to finish his self-imposed task first. As word of his spree hits the news,! one of his potential victims hires an assassin (Oliver Jackso! n-Cohen) to get to Driver first. Surprisingly, most of the characters show some depth of personality, in spite of being little more than caricatures of stereotypes (the troubled cop, the bored assassin). Faster isn't as reliant on mindless action as expected, but the story line is played out in such a way that you can't help rooting for Driver and his bloody revenge. Though parts are a tad predictable, all in all this is a thoroughly entertaining action flick. --Jill CorddryAfter 10 years in prison, Driver (Dwayne Johnson) has focused on one thing â€" hunting down the people responsible for brutally murdering his brother. Now a free man with a terrifying purpose, he sets out to find and kill all those on his list. But on his heals are two men who will do anything to stop him â€" a veteran cop (Billy Bob Thornton) and a hitman (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) who finds his match in this worthy opponent. Now, the hunter is also the hunted.In Faster revenge is a dish best se! rved quickly and with no remorse. Dwayne Johnson's character Driver has few lines, instead letting his actions--and the growls of the muscle car he's driving--speak volumes. Driver (given no other name for the duration of the movie) is released from prison, for crimes not initially noted, and immediately sets out in a fast car with a gun and a mission of revenge. He is coldly efficient with his kills, wasting no time or bullets as he delivers his brand of justice. The puzzle pieces of his crusade are snapped together with each victim he goes after; this is not a man who kills for the thrill. Each victim is specially selected, and Driver wants each to see his face to understand why they are being executed. Nor does he bother hiding his face from surveillance cameras or the police detectives (Billy Bob Thornton, Carla Gugino) chasing him. Driver is not a man who cares if he's caught, so long as he gets to finish his self-imposed task first. As word of his spree hits the news,! one of his potential victims hires an assassin (Oliver Jackso! n-Cohen) to get to Driver first. Surprisingly, most of the characters show some depth of personality, in spite of being little more than caricatures of stereotypes (the troubled cop, the bored assassin). Faster isn't as reliant on mindless action as expected, but the story line is played out in such a way that you can't help rooting for Driver and his bloody revenge. Though parts are a tad predictable, all in all this is a thoroughly entertaining action flick. --Jill CorddryA heart-hammering sensation at Slamdance, Faster is an electrifying tribute to the white-knuckle world of the Motorcycle Grand Prix--the fastest sport on two wheels--where only the most audacious competitors race at speeds over 200mph and crash at over 100mph. Narrated by Ewan McGregor (Big Fish, Star Wars: Episodes I-III), Faster chases two seasons’ worth of the world championship, featuring revealing interviews with riders, mechanics, doctors, commentators and fans. Even if you've never witnesse! d the intensity of MotoGP motorcycle racing, Faster will take your breath away. It's a perfect primer for newcomers, offering a comprehensive survey of the fastest sport on two wheels, and it's guaranteed to satisfy hardcore fans with its detailed history, profiles of the top riders from the 2001-02 seasons, highlights of spectacular crashes and unforgettable races, and a veritable feast of the best MotoGP cinematography you're ever likely to see. From front-and-rearview cycle cameras to swooping overhead track coverage, filmmaker Mark Neale immerses the viewer in the MotoGP experience, enhancing the adrenaline-pumping visuals with expert interviews and commentary (and cool, low-key narration by globetrotting cycle-lover Ewan McGregor) that any sportswriter would consider authoritative.

Literally and figuratively, a lot of ground gets covered: From Kenny Roberts and the late Barry Sheene discussing their innovative knee-dragging styles and the origins of rear-whe! el steering to the colorful rivalry of Max Biaggi and reigning! champio n Valentino Rossi (including Biaggi's infamous "Elbow Incident" at Suzuka in 2001), Faster never loses sight of the human element that makes this ultra-dangerous sport so fascinating. Track physician "Dr. Costa" is profiled (and offers some eloquently philosophical thoughts about MotoGP riders), along with innovative rider Garry McCoy (plagued by injuries); former champion Wayne Rainey (now paraplegic and active in kart-racing); young prodigy John Hopkins in his rookie season; and several other prominent figures in the world of MotoGP.

The bonus disc includes Faster & Faster, a sequel covering the 2003 and 2004 seasons, which saw the rise of the 500cc 4-stroke engine (and speeds in excess of 215 mph), Ducati's dominance and trend-setting removal of engine silencers (to boost power); Rossi's move to Yamaha; the fatal crash of Daijiro Kato; the victories of Sete Gibernau; and the rookie debuts of Neil Hodgson, Ruben Xaus, and Shane Byrne. Through it all, F! aster and its sequel serve as the ultimate guide to MotoGP, certain to inspire future champions and armchair fans alike. --Jeff Shannon