Is Fast Forward Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Fast Forward is likely a skip if you enjoy Music movies.
It features a runtime of 110 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Fast Forward Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1985, Fast Forward emerges as a significant entry in the Music, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Eight young people from Ohio who are dancers, come to New York, to compete in a major talent competition. Unlike standard genre fare, Fast Forward attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Sidney Poitier, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Music elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Music is often anchored by its ensemble, and Fast Forward features a noteworthy lineup led by John Scott Clough. Supported by the likes of Don Franklin and Tamara Mark, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of John Scott Clough, Don Franklin, Tamara Mark manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1985 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Music, Drama space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Fast Forward is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Fast Forward follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 110 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Fast Forward resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Music landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5.2/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Fast Forward is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Eight young people from Ohio who are dancers, come to New York, to compete in a major talent competition. But when they get there, they learn that they have to wait some time before they take part in it. So they try to do their best to survive in the Big Apple before competition, and get some lessons about the real World.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Fast Forward (1985) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5.2/10 and strong performance metrics in the Music, Drama categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from John Scott Clough, Don Franklin, Tamara Mark or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Fast Forward is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1985. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Fast Forward Online?
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Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Fast Forward is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.2/10, and global collection metrics, Fast Forward stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1985 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fast Forward movie hit or flop?
Fast Forward has received mixed reviews with a 5.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Fast Forward worth watching?
Fast Forward is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Music, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Fast Forward online?
Fast Forward may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
Eight young people from Ohio who are dancers, come to New York, to compete in a major talent competition. But when they get there, they learn that they have to wait some time before they take part in it. So they try to do their best to survive in the Big Apple before competition, and get some lessons about the real World.