As much as I want to hate a movie called Need for Speed, I have to hesitate. Yes, this film is ludicrous in its conception and irresponsible in the way it treats its subject. Despite all that, it does show signs of actual life — in the stunts, in the performances, in the headlong rush to get to the next crazy event.
The movie takes its title from a video game (and of course from a Top Gun catchphrase). The cluttered plot has hotshot driver-mechanic Tobey (Aaron Paul) avenging a serious crime, for which he served two years in the pen, by challenging his nemesis (Dominic Cooper) in a legendary illegal road race. He picks up a car-savvy Englishwoman (Imogen Poots) for reasons that are too hard to explain, and they must get from New York to the race’s San Francisco kick-off in 45 hours.