Starring: Vin Diesel, John Cena, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Jordana Brewster, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sung Kang, Charlize Theron, Helen Mirren
Director: Justin Lin
Release date: 24th June 2021
It’s 1989 and at the Speedway track, Jack Toretto is driving in the final race of the season. His two teenage sons, Jakob and Dom are working in the pit-lane and during the race, Jack’s car is bumped by a rival and spins out of control, smashing against the wall and bursting into flames. Dom is devastated and ends up getting dragged away as he tries to get to his dad’s car.. Fast forward to present day and Dom (Vin Diesel) is now a dad himself to young Brian. He and Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) are living a relaxed life on an isolated farm and one day an unknown car comes speeding down the road. They prepare for the worst but are soon confronted by some very familiar faces…
The film franchise for Fast and Furious began back in 2001 and was originally slated as being a trilogy of films which focused on illegal street racing. Over the years the franchise has steadily grown and has been geared more towards ‘family’ and the premise of ‘protecting your own’.
There’s even a Fast & Furious ride at the Universal Studios theme park in Hollywood, where there are holograms of the characters and you also participate in a car chase from the comfort of the studio tour trolleys. I actually really loved it when I was there and I think I went on it three times in one day.
If you’ve already watched the trailer for F&F9 then you’ve pretty much seen all they key stunts and action sequences in the film. We’re introduced to the new character of Jakob, Dom’s brother played by John Cena, but unfortunately there’s no real explanation of his plans/ goals or why he’s doing what he’s doing. He just seems to frown a lot and look muscle-y in tight fitting black tops. Anyways, some great fight scenes but just like in the old A-Team tv series in the 80s, no-one seems to get hurt or injured. Some great locations used in the film, including a rather lovely looking Edinburgh that gets totally trashed during a chase sequence.
That being said, I think anyone that’s followed the series and loved it will not be disappointed. It’s a great movie to just leave your brain at the door and enjoy for what it is; lots of car chases, punch ups, and crazy stunts.
Keep an eye out for Dame Helen Mirren’s crazy driving skills and make sure you stay til after the credits for an extra bonus little scene..
Overall: 8/10
