Review: Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw

Release date: August 2, 2019
Running time: 135 minutes
Starring:  Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Idris Elba

After eight movies in the Fast and the Furious franchise--making well over $8 billion--the series goes on its first spinoff adventure in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.  Directed by David Leitch, and featuring Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), this film tells a new story of the pair's paths crossing after they first encountered each other in Furious 7.

Hobbs a loyal and highly regarded agent of Diplomatic Security Service, and Shaw a former British military elite operative who plays outside the law, are two of the best in the world when it comes to finding their guy! When these two alpha males are tasked with finding a rogue MI6 agent Hattie (Vanessa Kirby), they find out that their mission could change the fate of humanity forever. 

Despite many associating the franchise with fast cars and grand heists, the overall message of the series is family.  Thankfully, Hobbs and Shaw stays true to this underlying theme, which was so important to many of the previous franchise characters and actors.  This was welcome to see as I was concerned that a spin off movie might veer from the franchises past tracks; knowing that the important fast themes are still the basis of the films makes me excited for the next movies in the franchise. 

The Fast and Furious franchise has been trying to keep a careful balance between keeping to its roots while introducing new characters.  Johnson and Statham aren't even from the original cast, but they were welcome additions to the world.  And despite the spin off's emphasis on family, it's strange to see that none of the original Fast cast members make it into the film.  Not even a Tyrese or Bow Wow!  That being said, two welcome additions were the very funny combo of Ryan Reynolds and Kevin Hart.  I love seeing both of these comedians, and they were absolutely hilarious.  

The Fast and the Furious franchise started with over the top stunts and has escalated ever since.  Heck, in Fast 5 there was a tank rolling down the freeway and no one batted an eye.  And Hobbs and Shaw keeps escalating the series' over the top effects; one thing you know with a Fast movie is that you can expect to be entertained.  Whether its crazy car stunts, over the top fights, or James Bond style weaponry (a new direction for the series), you might not believe it but you'll enjoy the craziness of the franchise.  

Hobbs and Shaw keeps the franchise emphasis on family but disappointingly doesn't include any of the original "family" of the film.  However, the beautiful visuals, action scenes, hand to hand combat, and technology and weaponry make this an enjoyable summer blockbuster through and through.  Hobbs and Shaw is the fast summer movie that we expected, so jump into an exotic car, buckle up, and enjoy the ride.  

Watch it.