Movie Review: Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw
With the almost universal exception of Tokyo Drift I’m a big fan of the Fast and Furious franchise. I’m not a gearhead by any stretch of the imagination, however, I do enjoy the flashy, expensive cars I can never afford or drive (stick is not my friend), the over-the-top/one upmanship of the films along with the increasingly ridiculous “heists”/stunts, all against the backdrop of the ride or die nature of family (both born into as well as chosen). Being a fan of the three principal male actors (I haven’t had much exposure to Vanessa Kirby) and wanting to desperately break my movie slump (2019 has not been kind to my movie viewing) I’ve been anxious to see what’s been done with the first (no doubt of many) franchise spinoffs. The idea of Idris Elba as “Black Superman” going up against Dwayne Johnson(Hobbs) and Jason Statham (Shaw), meant I couldn’t get my butt into a theater seat fast enough.
If you’re a fan of the Fast and Furious films, then you’re in luck. Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw fits perfectly within the franchise and the expectations that go with those film. Adrenaline pumping action sequences/chases, brutal knock down drag out fights, humor, heart, self-awareness winks and nods, cool cars and tech, the continued underlying theme of family throughout, and just enough of a plot to hold things together without taxing your brain too heavily for the 2-hour 15 minutes run.
With the Fast and Furious formula firmly in place Hobbs & Shaw isn’t anything new, but definitely delivers plenty of bang and entertainment for the buck. Quick and even pacing keeps the film moving so it never drags. The strategic placing of the heartfelt/emotional/dramatic elements keeps you interested and invested in the characters without impeding the good stupid fun the film offers. There’s even a couple of unexpected casting choices that delight. Way to keep a secret and have it pay off.
Speaking of casting. The boys, Johnson, Statham, and Elba all deliver and they’re a blast to watch. Not really surprising. The Johnson/Statham chemistry continues to build and deliver from their Fate of the Furious outing. As for Vanessa Kirby, kudos! She not only keeps up with, but often takes over and leads the boys with their toys, making sure she’s anything but a damsel in distress. Her “Hattie” unlike many of the females in the Fast and Furious franchise refuses to play second fiddle and the film is better off for it. Kirby’s a smart, sassy, sexy, competent, bad@$$ and she never lets anyone forget it, most of all the audience.
Kicking soundtrack including the perfectly themed song performed by Aloe Blacc featured on Songland. Solid CGI. Good cinematography and editing. All round things out and make Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw a perfect summer popcorn film. It’s got some heavy themes, but never gets too bogged down or serious. There’s good character continuation and development that elevate this film and will no doubt play into the main franchise and other spinoffs. Hobbs & Shaw is a big, loud, over-the-top, somewhat dumb Hollywood film, done right. It delivers on fun, self-awareness, and entertainment. Setting up the spinoff franchise perfectly.
I was looking for a movie win and Hobbs & Shaw delivered in explosive fashion. I’ll certainly be adding this to the old movie collection and look forward to many repeat viewings. Do yourself a favor, hit the theater, sit back and enjoy this one for what it is. It’s far from Citizen Kane, but it gets a 10 from me.
Oh, and do stick around through the ENTIRE credits. Most people didn’t and missed all 3 bonus scenes not to mention more kicking music.
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