Directed by David Letich

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Idris Elba

Rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action and violence, suggestive material and some strong language

It’s funny to think how much the Fast and Furious series has evolved from its original format. The original Fast and Furious film that premiered in 2001 was a crime action film that centered around street racing. Slowly as time went on, the films went on to be more ridiculous than its predecessors. We eventually reach the point that the film series has produced a spin off film, which has nothing to do with street racing but feels more like a parody of a spy film. Despite this, the spin off, “Hobbs & Shaw” is an enjoyable film with two hours of pure entertainment.

“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” is the 9th film in the Fast & Furious series and the first spin off of the series. The film has series regulars Luke Hobbs( played by Dwayne Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (played by Jason Statham) team up in order to prevent a virus being released to the public by a superhuman former MI6 agent (played by Idris Elba) .

Off the bat, “Hobbs and Shaw” is a ridiculously fun film. In that I mean that 50% of the film is ridiculous and 50% of the film is fun. There are multiple moments where you question the physics of the film such as how in the world can Dwayne Johnson fall on top of a car and walk up and fight as if nothing happened. This entire review could be criticism of the ridiculous moments of the film but the film knows that it’s ridiculous. This is a film series that went street racing to saving the world, James Bond style, so it’s has already been building up to this. The film works best when the audience turns off their mind and view the film as a action blockbuster.

But because the audience can turn off their mind and accept the film as a fun action film, some of the writing is cringe worthy. It’s embarrassing that a great actor such as Idris Elba is reduced to a generic villain who is reading off lines that feels like it was written by a 7 year old. Also in regards to the script, some of the scenes feel too long, more specifically the two cameos in the film. I understand that director David Leitch has gotten two great cameos that will certainly surprise the audiences but there was a sense that the cameos kept lingering. As much as I enjoyed the cameos, the cameos were getting unfunny a minute into the scene. In addition, this may be a minor nitpick, but the film abruptly ends while more exposition is given in the credits. The ending just felt so rushed and as if the director had to quickly cut the ending before a deadline. This aspect felt so lazy and left a bad taste in my mouth when I walked out of the theater.

In regards to the villain, played by Idris Elba, I certainly wished more was given to Elba as supposed your run of the mill villain. His role as the villain is forgettable as truth be told, I didn’t even know the name of the character until researching the film. The same goes to the sister of Shaw. Although Vanessa Kirby plays a tough bad ass, it feels like something we have seen before in multiple films. But as much I have multiple complaints of the film, the action is still enjoyable. The visual effects are still eye pleasing. In particular, the stand out action sequence is the chase in London.

As much I have multiple complaints of the film, there is still much enjoyment in the film. This is an action film that features a villain who can flip over a car with no issue. It knows that what exactly what it is, which is a fun action flick with mindless action. Audiences can certainly appreciate “Hobbs & Shaw” if they don’t overthink the film. So in other words, “Hobbs and Shaw” fits perfectly with the rest of the “Fast & Furious” films.

2/4