Let me start this off by making it clear that I actually like action movies. I don’t expect them to be realistic (the escapism is part of the allure of it), I dig the fast paced explosions and chase scenes, and when there is a good screenplay providing a complete story along with a strong cast, my day is made. And with that, may I present “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw”
Simply put, Vanessa Kirby is MI6 agent Hattie, who is attempting to secure a bioweapon when the electronically altered Brixton (Idris Elba) appears to steal it. Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson /The Rock) and Deckard Shaw (Jason Stratham) are brought in to get the weapon back an unlikely duo whose hatred for each other rivals that of the intensity and gravity of the mission before them.
Chris Morgan and Drew Pearce provided a strong foundation with their screenplay, using characters created by Gary Scott Thompson from the very popular film franchise, and have even added a few more. “Atomic Blonde” director David Leitch brings the vision together on the screen in a way that while I almost yelled out “NO WAY,” I was also ready to yell “THAT WAS SO COOL” at the same time.
I am not sure how much of the bickering between Johnson and Stratham was script and how much was the two of them just being in the moment and giving it their all, and that is a testament to both of the performance here. It pulled me in and took me along for their roller coaster ride, and whichever it was, I wanted more, with Kirby gliding in seamlessly with the two of them. There are also some expected cameos from people like Helen Mirren and Joe Anoa’i (aka WWE Superstar Roman Reigns), and some delightful surprises that even I was not expecting.
The stunts and pyrotechnics are well coordinated and performed adding to the suspension of reality becoming believable. This isn’t just car chases and explosions: this film raises the bar of expectations for Action Films. “Hobbs & Shaw” is what a summer blockbuster film should be, and I am sure it will make its money back and then some!