::
Timing is everything. Like the timing belt in a car, a tweak here and a tweak there makes all the difference in the world. Nothing could be more accurate when it comes to the Fast & Furious film series. The studio keeps putting them out, they make tons of money and are just down right entertaining. Although each film is different, they are eerily the same. Although the formula is still there, it’s the tinkering here and there that keeps the franchise fresh and exciting for the moviegoer.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returns as Hobbs, the DSS agent who travels the world with his team seeking the prey for their mission. After asking for help, Hobbs and the team travel to London in order to foil a hijacking scheme that has been masterminded by a former special ops soldier, Owen Shaw (Luke Evans). Should Dom and his team be successful on their mission, full pardons await for everyone on the crew. Michelle Rodriguez returns to the series as Letty, who was left for dead earlier in the series. She seems the perfect bait as she currently works with Shaw.
The cards are truly stacked against Hobbs as the team comes to the conclusion that Shaw really is ahead of them every step of the way. In one of the most spectacular stunt sequences I have seen in a long time, the action is edge of your seat palpable as the Formula One cars stack on top of each other and flip around like leaves in the wind.
Justin Lin is once again the director in the series, and he doesn’t disappoint. His vision of the action and juxtaposition with the dialog is brilliant. With Lin’s direction and Chris Morgan’s script, the film contains the balance necessary to have enough of each without feeling forced or overwrought. Some of the writing is well done, but the script also provides the majority of the “you can’t be serious” moments such as the explanation of Letty’s return. Please be sure to keep Cathy Bates out of the screening room! Don’t get me wrong. This film isn’t incredible, but it is a popcorn summertime action film if there ever was one. For what it is, the picture is pretty dog gone entertaining.
Fast & Furious 6
Starring: Vin Diesel and
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Director: Justin Lin
Company: Universal Pictures
Now Showing: In Local Theatres
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Grade: B