For those that don't know, or indeed don't care, "Need For Speed" is the most successful racing video game series in the world, and one of the most successful video game franchises of all time. What it involves is various super cars, racing through the streets and normally against the flow of traffic.

Now 20 years after the game first appeared we have the film version. "Need for Speed" wouldn't be, well, "Need For Speed" without the obligatory car chases and if your a fan of the series and that's what your after then your not going to be disappointed. The race scenes are some of the finest put on film since "The Fast & The Furious" burnt rubber. No CGI was used during the race scenes meaning that every shot that you see on the screen involved real cars and real drivers. With the added effect of 3D you just about feel that your sitting in the passengers seat. That's the positive side of the film, the downside being that all the high octane car chases are glued together by the thinnest plot imaginable.

Tobey Marshall, ("Breaking Bad's" Aaron Paul) is a hot-shot driver and mechanic who has a hatred for rich Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper). The two get involved in a deal to restore a car that's worth millions of dollars. After the car has been restored the two set up a street-race, the winner taking all the money that's been made from selling the car. During the race tragedy strikes when Marshall's best friend, who is also racing, is killed in an accident that was caused by Brewster. Marshall is blamed for the accident and he ends up behind bars. Two years later he is released from prison and vows revenge. In order to bring Dino Brewster out of hiding with the intention of uncovering evidence that he was involved in the initial race and responsible for the death of his friend he takes on Brewster in a race hosted by millionaire Monarch (Michael Keaton). Julia Maddon (Imogen Poots), who represents the owner of the super expensive car that Marshall is racing in ends up joining Marshall as his "co-pilot". Finding out that they are racing Dino puts a bounty on Julia and Tobey's heads.

Unfortunately the cast play second fiddle to the cars and not one of them come out of this with much credit. The cars on show have more personality and charisma than a one dimensional Aaron Paul and Michael Keaton in what could be his worst and most annoying role ever looks as he's been cut into the film at random points with no thought for the story. Saying that I would imagine that anyone going to see this won't be going to see it for the acting or the storyline. Need For Speed has always been about car chases and if that's what your after then I'm sure you'll love it.

Need For Speed (12A)

2h 4m

Director: Scott Waugh
Starring: Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Scott Mescudi

UK Release: 12th March 2014

Need For Speed - "Hot Fuel Connection" Clip

Need For Speed - "Hooking Up" Clip