Hoobs and Shaw

I was a bit reluctant seeing another Fast and Furious movie. How many ways can you split a pie? What is this the 47^th F&F movie? The movie turned out to be quite entertaining. Aside from all the motor chases and fist fights the film has a familial theme.

In the early F&F movies Hobbs and Shaw really tried to kill each other. Now they are more like bickering brothers trying to show up one another. As the movie progresses the bickering lessens and comradery develops. It has a great cast. Besides Dwyane Johnson and Jason Statham, there is Idris Elba, Helen Mirren and Venessa Kirby. Johnson has more muscle, Statham more stubble and Mirren more wrinkles.

Helen Mirren is Shaw’s imprisoned mother. I can not tell you who Venessa Kirby is but she has a critical role. There are other two cameos by well known actors who I will not identify but are very funny and worth waiting for (stay after the credits).

Hobbs and Shaw are reluctant partners still harboring old grudges. They are such has hams they would be barred from a kosher deli. Ibis Elba is part human part cyborg. He has superhuman abilities and is controlled by a terrorist organization. A talented actor reduced to scowls and grunts; but he looks good in leather.

What about the plot? The plot is just an excuse for mayhem and pyrotechnics and there is plenty. Shaw drives an awesome McLaren at high speeds through the streets of London; a feat in itself. There is a scene with a helicopter and a bunch of trucks which is a scene stealer. Elba has an autonomous motorcycle that comes at his beck and call. You know some of the stunts are CG but they are impressive.

The film has a PG-13 rating so thank goodness there is no sex. The closest thing to sexy is a hot Mexican actress Eiza Gonzales. I was so distracted by her outfit I am uncertain if she was a good guy or a bad guy.

If you want to spend a mindless two hours, this is your movie. There are  some chuckles. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film  67%. It is estimated opening weekend it will clear $600m box office (budget $200m). So when is Fast and Furious 48^th coming out?