Directed by David Leitch
Written by Chris Morgan and Drew Pearce, based on a story by Chris Morgan, and based on characters by Gary Scott Thompson
Starring:
Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs
Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw
Idris Elba as Brixton
Vanessa Kirby as Hattie
Eiza Gonzalez as Madame M
Rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action and violence, suggestive material, and some strong language
Runtime: 137 minutes
There seem to be no limits to the Fast and Furious franchise anymore. In eighteen years, I have seen the plots go from street racing to saving the world. Perhaps the Mission: Impossible franchise influenced the story shift. Even the laws of physics seem to matter less with each installment. But you know what? It still works. The franchise continues to entertain has yet to disappoint.
David Leitch was the perfect candidate for the director. He co-directed the stylized thriller John Wick (2014) and took lead on Atomic Blonde (2017) and Deadpool 2 (2018) – neither of which I’ve seen yet. My takeaway from those trailers is that the action scenes and stories are over-the-top. This film isn’t any different, and it fits his style.
This is the first spin-off in the franchise, titled Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. The title is a little silly, but so is the film at times. Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) reluctantly team up to stop a virus from spreading across the world. I would have recruited Tom Cruise for the job, but I’m sure he would’ve passed since he already did that in Mission: Impossible 2 (2000). Instead, the CIA recruits two guys who can’t stand each other for the mission. Perhaps the government wasn’t worried about Hobbs and Shaw killing each other before saving the world, therefore leaving the world back at square one. Let’s face it, though, there would be no entertaining, explosive, and hilarious film otherwise.
Shaw’s little sister Hattie (Vanessa Kirby) is an MI6 agent trying to procure the virus. She almost succeeds in her mission…but the mysterious Brixton (Idris Elba) arrives and tries to steal the virus for a sinister purpose (is there ever a happy use for a virus?). The only way Hattie can keep the virus safe is to inject herself with it. She escapes, and Brixton is hell-bent on capturing her. However, Hattie isn’t your typical damsel in distress. I liked that about her character. She quite nearly kicked Hobb’s butt in one hilarious scene! Now Hattie, mutually smitten with Hobbs, and her protective older brother, Shaw, are all on the same team.
Brixton isn’t just your typical bad guy waving a gun – he is a “super-soldier” with a metallic spine, which makes him essentially invincible. He can dodge bullets, cars, punches, and who knows what else. His eyes light up as the computer in his brain tells him what defensive moves to make, with on-screen graphics in his line of vision. Very handy. I wanted to yell at the screen, “Look at his eyes!” That would have given his opponents a clue that a head-on attack may not work out in their favor.
Now that the team is dealing with a villain that could easily have just stepped out of a comic book, Hobbs and Shaw must keep their egos in check (for at least five minutes at a time) and come up with a backup plan. Hobbs suggests that they go to his family in Samoa. Hobbs doesn’t get a warm welcome, though, since he left the family behind years ago. Perhaps Dominic Toretto’s frequent reminders of family echoed in Hobb’s brain.
I loved how the Samoan culture came to life in the film. I’m sure Johnson came up with the idea of showing his heritage in a movie, and it was fun to see. Besides, what movie couldn’t use a mother breaking up a fight among grown men by threatening to hit them with her flip-flop?
I had some mixed emotions while watching the film. At times I was thinking, “Where is this franchise going to go next? Space?” There were also plentiful reasons to forget about the lack of a serious plot, with the electrifying action sequences and humor. I let the “it’s not supposed to be taken seriously” thought win. I mean, if it were a believable action film, who would think to try to stop a helicopter with a tow truck? Maybe John McClane from the Die Hard movies, but still (and does that qualify as “believable action?”). Quite honestly, when have the Fast & Furious movies ever presented themselves as “serious” cinema? They’re meant to be fun – just go with it.
It was great to see Johnson and Statham doing their own thing. They play off each other so well, and their insults are hilariously creative. A list should be made of their insults, like what you would see when you Google “Chuck Norris jokes.” Definitely a step up from the ones Johnson threw at Zac Efron in Baywatch (2017), which only pertained to boy bands, which got old fast.
Hobbs & Shaw was what I expected it to be. There are a few cameo appearances that I didn’t see coming, but I won’t spoil them for you. The movie is good, but not one I would watch repeatedly (my wife loved it, and is a little offended right now). I admit, though, that getting the Blu-ray would be worth it, even if only for the outtakes.
3/4 stars
