Where to start with this movie. We’ve been Fast. We’ve been Furious. Now we’re spinning off. We went from a small drama with some street racing to souped up cars taking on skyscrapers and submarines. With Hobbs and Shaw, any last shred of realism is gone. It makes for a fun mindless summer popcorn movie, but I feel like my action itch isn’t properly scratched.
The Rock’s Luke Hobbs and Jason Statham’s Deckard Shaw have been introduced in various F&F films as bad guys (in the antagonistic sense, not motivational) and then got inducted into the “Family”. Except the two of them never made it to being familial with each other. Given the chance, they will gladly beat the warm fuzzies out of the other. Now, because reasons, the two of them are teamed up together to save the world from Idris Elba, auditioning to be the next Terminator.
Like every other movie in franchise, it was a lot of fun. Bigger than the last one, with even less nuance and subtlety. The banter between our leads was ON POINT. That’s what kept me engaged in the film, the verbal sparring that was far better than the physical sparring because let’s be real. I have seen such better action sequences from both of these dudes. I don’t know that I’d go so far as to say they were phoning it in, but it certainly lacked some of the oomph I’ve come to expect from them ( I was feeling nostalgic for The Transporter watching this).
That said, there was one person who delivered the type of stunt sequences I was hoping for: Vanessa Kirby. She was really throwing herself into some wonderfully choreographed fights. I kept finding myself wanting to see her throw some more kicks and punches while the boys looked pretty and talked smack in the background.
On the other side, Idris Elba did make a rather formidable baddie, as the reigning Sexiest Man Alive took on a predecessor and a buddy. Except the one thing that bothered me was his technology upgrade. I’ve been able to suspend belief in this series when the laws of physics are suspended. However, the Skynet level tech he was working with was a step too far. Every time he and his cronies used one of their toys it got an eye roll out of me. Not quite the reaction I think they were expecting.
Now besides the big bangs, these films have always been about family, and that was the underlying theme throughout this one as well. The third act in particular illustrated this beautifully. I don’t wanna spoil the setting, but it’s something that’s obviously very meaningful to The Rock and I enjoyed seeing him show that side of himself.
Oh and speaking of the Rock, to close, I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned that winks are one of my biggest weaknesses. It’s just a little jolt right to my heart (especially when it’s a wink just for me). The Rock winked at least 4 times. Swoon.
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw – \m/ \m/ \m/