★★★
Lawman Luke Hobbs and outcast Deckard Shaw form an unlikely alliance when a cyber-genetically enhanced villain threatens the future of humanity.
Classification: 12A
Uproariously dumb fun from beginning to end, this Fast and Furious spin-off continues the franchise's tradition of ridiculous action sequences, globetrotting and themes of family and teamwork. Johnson and Statham's partnership as the wisecracking crime-fighting duo is as strong as ever as their animosity towards each other leads to great moments of comedic insults and violence. Not bogged down by any overbearing references to the previous instalments to the franchise, Hobbs and Shaw is able to function as its own adventure for long-time fans of the characters and curious newcomers. While its script and stakes can become outlandish, director David Leitch knows that the strength of the film comes to the charisma of the two leads and the talented supporting cast assembled for this high octane thrill ride.
While Dwayne Johnson continues his ever successful mission to charm the entire world through sheer magnetism and likability, Jason Statham continues to be his perfect foil through his dry wit and rough exterior. Their chemistry from the previous two Fast and Furious films carries over with no issue as they create their own dynamic in the realm of "buddy cop" action comedies with their insulting barbs and skill differences highlighted in great sequences of humour and excitement. The exciting additions of Idris Elba and Vanessa Kirby do their part in making the overall experience more enjoyable as Elba's super-soldier villain may not be the most original or well-written character but it does allow Elba to chew the scenery against his co-stars. Kirby's character again is a bit of stereotype but she breathes a tenacity into her performance that she serves as a great force of action on her own right in tandem with keeping Hobbs and Shaw's egotistical rivalry in check.
The actors are having a great time even if the script doesn't really flourish with logic or originality but Leitch knows the strengths of the franchise and plays to them while adding his own flair. The action scenes of Hobbs and Shaw range from neon-soaked fistfights to a string of cars dangling off a cliff while anchored by a helicopter, its bombastic and brilliant and keep the momentum charged even when logic is the furthest thing from the filmmaker's mind. Its escapist action fantasy charged by testosterone fulled dreams of fast cars and explosions, it's actually what it says on the tin; Fast and Furious. If you're a fan of the franchise then all the elements you love are doubled down especially in a third act that not only pays homage to the films earliest roots but allows Johnson's own Samoan culture to be celebrated through scenes both emotional and grandiose.
While it may seem that the storyline of Hobbs and Shaw may not have much to stimulate its audience beyond explosions and Jason Statham putting every stuntman into a coma, there are still surprises sprinkled through the runtime. From surprise cameos to a particular joke or action skillset, David Leitch does his best not to let the overwhelming sense of destruction make the audience go numb. From using his John Wick experience to make the hand to hand combat more exciting especially in scenes with Statham and Kirby, and having Johnson's glorious one-liners steal every scene no matter how ridiculous they sound. It's a fine line to balance all of this insanity but Leitch manages it with moderate success while still delivering an emotional core about the two closed off behemoths of Hobbs and Shaw reconnecting with their families.
If you love Fast and Furious, you'll love Hobbs and Shaw; this franchise is fully embracing the lunacy of its nitrous fuelled espionage action that will no doubt led to Vin Diesel and Dwanye Johnson driving transforming cars on the moon. Until then, however, Hobbs and Shaw does its due diligence in delivering some of the craziest action scenes this year with teasing of future instalments meaning that Johnson and Statham's adventures together have only just started. Set pieces filled with comedy and engaging action, the film jumps from location to location with ease as the McGuffins of the film continues to get more ridiculous but its the passion of the cast not only for their characters but for the genuine desire to deliver an entertaining thrill-ride that makes the weaknesses of Hobbs and Shaw an afterthought.
Director: #DavidLeitch
Cast: #DwayneJohnson, #JasonStatham, #IdrisElba, #VanessaKirby, #EizaGonzález, #EddieMarsan, #CliffCurtis, #HelenMirren
Release Date: August 1st 2019
Trailer:
Written review copyright ©CoreyBullochReviews
Images and Synopsis from the Internet Movie Database
Comments