FAST & FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS & SHAW

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Hobbs & Shaw movie poster
America's Diplomatic Security Service agent Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) is recruited by the CIA to recover a deadly virus that's coveted by cyber-genetically enhanced anarchist Brixton (Idris Elba). The virus has been injected into the body of rogue MI6 agent Hattie Shaw (Vanessa Kirby), framed for murder by Brixton and on the run. Hobbs reluctantly is partnered with old adversary Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), who happens to be Hattie's brother. The pair must learn to get along, find Hattie and save the world.

Happily, what you see in the trailers is what you get. Director David Leitch ("Deadpool 2") packs the screen with
over-the-top action to make up for the simple threadbare plot of writers Chris Morgan and Drew Pearce. The stunts are outrageous. Car, truck, motorcycle and helicopter chases take center stage while fight sequences fill the void. When the movie slows down, the actors try hard to carry the load. The banter between Johnson and Statham mostly works, but tends to wear thin after a while - too much of a good thing. Vanessa Kirby ("The Crown") makes a stunning heroine and is more than a match for the male leads. A hint of romance for Hattie and Luke also changes the frenetic pace. Films like this fall apart without a formidable villain. Luckily, the talented Idris Elba is both formidable and vile in the role of Brixton. Helen Mirren makes a return appearance as the now imprisoned matriarch of the Shaw family. There are a couple of hilarious cameos that will be left for you to discover. Cinematographer Jonathan Sela gives the production an expensive look with locations that range from England and Scotland to Hawaii (filling in for Samoa). Family values come into play during a final stand at Hobbs' homeland of Samoa - a redeeming moment to offset the violence. As the first spin-off in the "Fast & Furious" franchise, this is a worthy effort that's bound to please fans. Be sure to stay for scenes during and after the credits. Even without Diesel, "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" never runs out of fuel. (3/5 CAMS)

Rated PG-13 (for prolonged sequences of action and violence, suggestive material and some strong language)
Running Time: 135 minutes

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