Despite mixed reviews at its original release, Dwayne Johnson’s 2010 action movie “Faster” has climbed into the top ten most-streamed films on Paramount+ in the United States. This resurgence highlights Johnson’s continuing appeal and underscores his increasing streaming success even as newer projects face challenges. The film features Johnson as a vengeful driver determined to settle scores after a decade behind bars.
“Faster” stars alongside actors Maggie Grace and Billy Bob Thornton, who plays a veteran police officer tracking Johnson’s character. The movie’s storyline follows Driver, recently released from prison, as he embarks on a mission to avenge his brother’s murder. Along the way, he must evade not only law enforcement but also an ambitious assassin pursuing him. The movie’s tension centers on whether Driver’s list of targets is complete and how the threat of an unknown adversary might impact his quest.
Plot and Reception of “Faster” in Context
The film’s reception was lukewarm upon release, with critics and audiences offering modest scores. On Rotten Tomatoes, “Faster” holds a 41% approval rating from critics and 52% from viewers, indicating a divided response. While the film’s title promised high-energy action, reviews suggested it did not fully deliver the expected thrills.
“It’s good to see Dwayne Johnson back in full-throttle action mode, but Faster doesn’t deliver enough of the high-octane thrills promised by its title.”
This critique reflects the general sentiment, yet it did little to diminish the appeal of Johnson’s performance among fans tuning in on streaming platforms years later.
Current Landscape of the Best Actor Award Contenders
Separately, Dwayne Johnson’s remarkable portrayal of Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine” has sparked conversations about an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Despite this praise, Johnson faces strong contenders in a competitive field. Leonardo DiCaprio’s dynamic role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” is currently favored, with Timothée Chalamet’s performance in “Marty Supreme” closely following. Other actors in the running include Jeremy Allen White in “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” Wagner Moura in Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “The Secret Agent,” and several others who could shape the final nominee list.
Continuing Viewership Boosts Johnson’s Streaming Success
While “The Smashing Machine” did not perform well at the box office, grossing under $12 million domestically from over 3,000 theaters, the enduring popularity of Johnson’s earlier films like “Faster” helps maintain his visibility and influence in the entertainment industry. The sustained viewer interest on streaming platforms signals a strong catalog demand, demonstrating that Johnson’s appeal extends beyond theatrical releases.
“Faster” is currently accessible for streaming on Paramount+, offering viewers a chance to experience one of Johnson’s action-packed roles from earlier in his career.
