DVDS TO GO: More like, ‘Grand Theft Admission’

» “Fast & Furious” —You sometimes have to wonder what’s in the minds of studio execs when they “green light” projects. For example, why would any reasonably sane executive decide to do a fourth film in a series that’s taken in less money each time out?

Why would that same executive bring back the stars of the first film nearly 10 years afterward, when three out of four of them are almost has-beens?

Watching “Fast & Furious” answers both questions — somewhat.

The solution to the first question is money, pure and simple. This fourth film comes along to squeeze every last dollar available for the taking from audiences.

As for the second query, the finished movie seems to say it doesn’t matter who stars in it.

That this poorly plotted, woodenly acted “action” drama made huge bucks sends a message: If you put together the right effects package, you could put four mannequins on screen and folks will attend.

A quick re-cap: In the 2001 film, Paul Walker played an undercover cop who uses his street racing skills to get next to a well-known street racer (Vin Diesel) and his gang of freelance hijack artists.

Walker falls for Diesel’s beautiful, straight-arrow sister (Jordanna Brewster) which leads him to bust the guys Diesel was dealing with, but he lets Diesel escape to Mexico at the film’s conclusion.

Diesel, Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez, who portrayed Diesel’s lover/partner in crime, all departed after the first film. Walker hung on for the first sequel, “2 Fast, 2 Furious,” then departed.

Though Diesel has had some box office success (“The Pacifier”) and critical acclaim (“Find Me Guilty,” “Boiler Room”), and Rodriguez won a starring role on “Lost,” it’s hard to imagine them wanting to return to these roles. Like Walker and Brewster, apparently, they needed the screen time.

As “F&F” begins, Diesel’s Dominic is weary of time in Mexico and is looking for a final score that will set him and Letty (Rodriguez) up for life. Letty wants to go back to Los Angeles and hammer out a deal with the police and the Feds so she and Dominic can settle down. Letty seeks out Brian O’Connor’s (Walker) help, but is murdered before she can return to talk with Dominic.

Heading to L.A. for revenge, Dominic is arrested, but Brian persuades his bosses to take a chance on Dom and his gang to help crack a major drug smuggling case. Meanwhile, Brian has to confront his conflicted, continuing relationship with Dom’s sister, Mia (Brewster) and Dominic’s lust for revenge.

Yes, the plot sounds familiar and, in the right hands, could be exciting. Whoops, wrong set of hands here.

Director Justin Lin (who directed the unspectacular third “F&F” film, “Tokyo Drift”) and screenwriter Chris Morgan and Gary Scott Thomas couldn’t care less about real emotions, character interaction or a reasonably sensible story line.

The only thing Lin cares about is how much he can make the movie look like a video game. That he does quite effectively.

No, “Fast & Furious” doesn’t have to match “Hamlet” for plot complexity. But this thing is so devoid of even a measure of competent writing, it makes “Grand Theft Auto” look like Hemingway. A more accurate title would have been “Grand Theft Admission Price.”

If you’re into computer graphics and stunt work, you may find the extras, which take you behind the scenes to describe how certain shots were accomplished, interesting. If not, consider renting “Speed” or even “Breaking Away.” They also have wheeled vehicles in motion, exciting races, chases and talented actors. They have something else, too. You’ll actually enjoy them when they’re done.

The film is available in standard and Blu-ray formats. Rated PG-13 for profanity, violence and sensuality.
Joe’s rating: One and one-half stars.

» ALSO: If you didn’t see “The Great Buck Howard” in theaters you weren’t alone. It came and went pretty quickly.

Now out on DVD, this quirky comedy about a grad student (Colin Hanks, Tom’s son) who becomes the personal assistant of a seemingly washed up mentalist (John Malkovich, in a delightfully over the top turn) is a sparkling little gem of a “back stage” movie.

Emily Blunt (“The Devil Wears Prada”) and Tom Hanks also do good work here. Check out this snappy number others missed.

Rated R for profanity and sexual content.
Joe’s rating: Three stars.

Joe Barber’s entertainment reviews and reports can be heard Fridays through Sundays on the WTOP-FM Radio Network (103.5, 103.9, 107.7 and Wtop.com).