“Fast & Furious” characters Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw take center stage in their own spinoff movie. Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham become unlikely allies who are forced to team up to stop a deadly virus in “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.”
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw
Universal
- Directed by David Leitch
- Produced by Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Chris Morgan, Hiram Garcia
- Screenplay by Chris Morgan, Drew Pearce
- Story by Chris Morgan
- Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Idris Elba, Vanessa Kirby, Helen Mirren
Studio Synopsis:
After eight films that have amassed more than $5 billion worldwide, The Fast & Furious franchise now features its first stand-alone vehicle as DWAYNE JOHNSON and JASON STATHAM reprise their roles as Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. Ever since hulking lawman Hobbs (Johnson), a loyal agent of America’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and lawless outcast Shaw (Statham), a former British military elite operative, first faced off in 2015’s Furious 7, the duo has swapped smack talk and body blows as they’ve tried to take each other down. But when cyber-genetically enhanced anarchist Brixton Lorr (IDRIS ELBA) gains control of an insidious bio-threat that could alter humanity forever—and bests Hattie (The Crown’s VANESSA KIRBY), a brilliant and fearless rogue MI6 agent who just happens to be Shaw’s sister—these two sworn enemies will have to partner up to bring down the only guy who might be badder than themselves. The film also stars CLIFF CURTIS (The Meg, AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead) as Jonah Hobbs, Luke’s brother, and Academy Award® winner HELEN MIRREN as Deckard and Hattie’s mother, Queenie Shaw. Hobbs & Shaw blasts open a new door in the Fast universe as it hurtles action across the globe, from Los Angeles to London and from the toxic wasteland of Chernobyl to the lush beauty of Samoa.
J.P.’s Take:
To simply call “The Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” fanfare just won’t do it justice. You’ll find that the bombastic action blitzkrieg is built with enthusiasm, taking the fandom experience to the next level in multiple ways. You’re taken aback by the outlandish action sequences, which borderline video game impossibility.
If you can recall the trading of cut throat insults by Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) from “Fast & Furious” 7 and 8, you can multiple that by 10 in this over the top action/comedy. “Hobbs & Shaw” is also given a sci-fi-ish treatment with Idris Elba being the main cybernetically-enhanced baddie named Brixton Lore.
The spinoff movie is brought to life by the very capable director David Leitch (“John Wick,” “Atomic Blonde,” “Deadpool 2”) with producers / actors Johnson and Statham pulling double duty. Writers Chris Morgan and Drew Pearce concoct a potboiler, which upon first glance, many will consider to be the amalgamation of several action/sci-fi/adventure/comedies we’ve seen before, mainly titles likes of “Terminator” and “Transformers” may come to mind, along with “John Wick” with a smattering of “Deadpool” thrown in for good measure.
Yet, don’t be fooled, “Hobbs & Shaw” most certainly keeps in junction with its “Fast & Furious” pedigree. There is no shortage of gravity defying automobile aerial acrobatics, such as a chain gang of rat rod trucks pulling a helicopter along like a kite. Once again the “family” thread also circulates through the veins of this film. It’s all about the ones you can rely on – those you call family, as well as the car culture which pertains to family. And as usual you’re not concerned with how the story churns out, as it’s not really one that requires much brain power to put the pieces together. However, there are remnants you’ll need to pay close attention to, as it does connect pieces of the last “Fast & Furious” with the 9th “F&F” outing and/or a possible “Hobbs & Shaw” sequel.
The cast is also befitting of the roles they play, as they produce high octane physicality and convincing characterizations:
- I’m gonna start with the phenomenal Idris Elba. Elba is known for his authentic portrayals and here in “Hobbs & Shaw” he doesn’t disappoint. He’s the vicious human/machine hybrid, who is hell bent on converting humankind into cyborgs. He gives a grandiose if a bit of a searing performance in this role. He even proclaims to be the “black Superman,” which can be taken to that extent in his actions. Some may question his choice in playing Brixton, yet it goes to show you how talented he is in taking on such a part.
- Vanessa Kirby plays the spunky Hattie, sister to Deckard Shaw. She’s certainly no damsel in distress and is capable of pulling herself out of some very sticky situations just as her male counter parts.
- My kudos also goes to Helen Mirren as the crafty Magdalene “Queenie” Shaw, mother to Shaw siblings. She’s vivacious with a sly villainess attitude.
- Eiza González plays Madam M, a professional robber who serves as an information supplier. While she is there for the infamous “Fast & Furious” eye candy, she simply supply the guns … and the beauty. She is underuse in this film.
- Uncredited cameos will arise with Ryan Reynolds and Kevin Hart. Both of these actors pop up in some off the wall roles as CIA agents Locke and air marshal Dinkley, respectively.
- I also want to pull focus on the youngest face on the group, Eliana Sua playing Dwayne Johnson’s daughter Sam. She resembles a real life Moana, with an adorable and brainy temperament. I felt she kept the film grounded, even if she was only in a few scenes.
- Finally, Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham have excellent chemistry here; you’d think they were mortal enemies as they chop each other down to size with fiery insults. It’s both funny and cold blooded – but mostly hilarious. The scene — where each of the main characters visit each of their respective home towns of Samoa and London — drive home the family dynamic as well.
As far as action flicks are concerned these days, it is an ongoing competition to see who can out do whom. If you’re viewing movies like this for its intellectual content, you’re in the wrong theater. Films like this are geared towards those wanting to escape the summer heat, while experiencing mindless fun. Additionally, the films are also there to capture those who don’t want to spend gobs of money at a theme park. I am one of those people who don’t mind kicking back to enjoy the “Hobbs & Shaw” roller coaster ride.