“I live my life a quarter mile at a time.” In Los Angeles, many drivers can relate to that famous quote from “The Fast and the Furious,” said by character Dominic Toretto, played by Vin Diesel. The original film brings together a host of references that many Southern California could probably point out. From scenes taking places in areas like Dodgers Stadium, to what is now the San Bernardino Airport, the film has a host of references that locals will get a kick out of seeing on the big screen. Not just that, but it’s fast-paced action sequences and focus on family is why the film has garnered such universal interest. 

So LAist thought it’d be great to bring the film to big screen for our most recent FilmWeek screening, this time in partnership with The Frida Cinema in Santa Ana. Following the screening, Larry spoke to film critics Amy Nicholson and Christy Lemire about the film to discuss its significance in our culture. They were also joined the film’s racing consultant, Craig Lieberman, and 2nd unit director Mic Rodgers, to understand all the effort that went into making this movie a high octane blockbuster.