“Fast And Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw 2019”
Review of Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)
General Information
- Director: David Leitch
- Main Cast:
- Dwayne Johnson (Luke Hobbs)
- Jason Statham (Deckard Shaw)
- Idris Elba (Brixton Lore)
- Vanessa Kirby (Hattie Shaw)
- Helen Mirren (Magdalene Shaw)
- Eiza González (Michele)
- Cliff Curtis (Jonah Hobbs)
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
- Runtime: 137 minutes
Plot
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw is a spin-off from the main Fast & Furious series, focusing on the unlikely partnership between two action-packed characters: Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson), a tough and no-nonsense FBI agent, and Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), a former British military operative and ex-villain. When Shaw’s sister, Hattie (Vanessa Kirby), a MI6 agent, is framed for stealing a dangerous bio-enhancement virus, Hobbs and Shaw are forced to team up to stop a cybernetically enhanced mercenary, Brixton Lore (Idris Elba), who wants to use the virus to wipe out humanity.
The movie follows their efforts to find the virus before Brixton can unleash it, all while navigating their personal animosities and differing approaches to combat. The film is packed with high-octane action sequences, comedic banter, and over-the-top stunts, which are signature elements of the Fast & Furious franchise.
Highlights
- Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham’s Chemistry
- The film’s true strength lies in the chemistry between its leads, Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham. The bickering, rivalry-turned-bromance dynamic between Hobbs and Shaw is the heart of the film, delivering both humor and tension. Their back-and-forth one-liners and constantly escalating banter provide a fun and engaging experience. Both actors bring their trademark charisma, delivering action scenes and comedy with equal flair.
- Idris Elba as Brixton Lore
- Idris Elba brings a commanding presence as Brixton, the cybernetically enhanced villain. His portrayal of Brixton as a seemingly invincible antagonist adds a menacing edge to the film. With superhuman abilities and a strong belief in his mission to “evolve” humanity, Brixton serves as a formidable foe to Hobbs and Shaw, providing the movie with a worthy antagonist who is both intimidating and larger-than-life.
- Action Sequences and Stunts
- As expected from the Fast & Furious franchise, the action in Hobbs & Shaw is intense and over-the-top. From a high-speed chase through the streets of London to a brutal fight on a moving truck, the movie delivers thrilling and often absurd stunts. The climax, involving a helicopter, a truck, and two opposing forces, epitomizes the film’s action-packed, physics-defying sequences, offering plenty of jaw-dropping moments.
- Humor and Tone
- The film balances its action-heavy narrative with humor and lighthearted moments, which helps keep the tone fun and entertaining. Johnson and Statham’s comedic timing is spot-on, and their contrasting personalities—Hobbs being the stoic, rule-abiding hero and Shaw being the witty, rebellious antihero—create a comedic dynamic that drives the film’s energy. Vanessa Kirby’s performance as Hattie Shaw also brings a welcome sense of balance, adding a strong female presence and contributing to the lighter moments.
- Strong Supporting Cast
- The supporting cast adds extra layers of fun and excitement. Vanessa Kirby shines as Hattie, a skilled MI6 agent who is no stranger to the action-packed environment, while Helen Mirren’s appearance as the Shaw family matriarch adds gravitas and humor. Eiza González also stands out as Michele, a fierce operative who brings another layer of complexity to the plot.
- The supporting cast adds extra layers of fun and excitement. Vanessa Kirby shines as Hattie, a skilled MI6 agent who is no stranger to the action-packed environment, while Helen Mirren’s appearance as the Shaw family matriarch adds gravitas and humor. Eiza González also stands out as Michele, a fierce operative who brings another layer of complexity to the plot.
Criticisms
- Unrealistic Action and Plot
- As with many Fast & Furious films, Hobbs & Shaw stretches believability with its outlandish action sequences. Some of the stunts and fight scenes, while entertaining, are hard to take seriously, particularly in the final showdown with Brixton. This may be a turn-off for viewers looking for more grounded action, but it fits the tone of the franchise.
- Underdeveloped Villain and Story
- While Brixton is a strong and charismatic antagonist, the film’s overall story is relatively simplistic. The plot about the stolen virus and the pursuit of a global conspiracy takes a back seat to the action and character dynamics. Brixton’s motivations, although clear, aren’t explored deeply, which may leave some viewers wishing for more substance in his character.
- Formulaic Structure
- The film follows a familiar action-comedy formula, with predictable setups and payoffs. While it’s entertaining, it doesn’t offer much in terms of fresh storytelling or unique twists, which could be seen as a missed opportunity in a spin-off with so much potential for creative exploration.
- The film follows a familiar action-comedy formula, with predictable setups and payoffs. While it’s entertaining, it doesn’t offer much in terms of fresh storytelling or unique twists, which could be seen as a missed opportunity in a spin-off with so much potential for creative exploration.
Verdict
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw is an action-packed, high-energy ride that focuses on the dynamic partnership between two of the franchise’s most beloved characters. With fantastic chemistry between Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, thrilling stunts, and plenty of humor, the film delivers exactly what fans of the Fast & Furious series expect. While the plot may be predictable and the action often over-the-top, the movie succeeds in being a fun, fast-paced popcorn flick. It may not offer groundbreaking storytelling, but it certainly provides entertainment value.
Rating: 8.5/10
