DIRECTOR: Justin Lin
PRODUCERS: Neal H. Moritz & Vin Diesel & Jeff Kirschenbaum & Justin Lin & Joe Roth & Clayton Townsend & Samantha Vincent
WRITERS: Justin Lin & Daniel Casey (story/screenplay by) & Alfredo Botello (story by)
PERFORMERS: Vin Diesel Michelle Rodriguez Tyrese Gibson Chris "Ludacris" Bridges
John Cena Jordana Brewster Nathalie Emmanuel Sung Kang Helen Mirren with Kurt Russell
and Charlize Theron
It seems as if there's no slowing down the Fast & Furious franchise, even without Paul Walker each film is getting better and better. The last entry was out of this world insanely ambitious, but this one goes above and beyond the likes of racing, high octane stunts and crazy action sequences. Released only a few days after the first film's 20th anniversary, F9 proves with new tricks comes new surprises behind the wheel.
The last time we saw our heroes, the leading man Dom Toretto (played by VIN DIESEL) was forced to turn on his own crew he considers family by a very crafty cyber thief played by Charlize Theron and the results were insane. That was averted and now we move on to this entry which is only, by my observation, a few years after. Without giving away too much, the new threat Dom and co. face is a shadowy figure from his past (played by JOHN CENA). Speaking of which, is played out nearly very well throughout the beginning because it gives some sense as to who this person is, his relationship with Dom and his evolution as a Toretto. Cena was the last person I expected to be in a film like this, but what he brings to this film and his role as Dom's hard-hearted brother is actually rather believable and convincing. You don't know whether to sympathize with him or dislike him despite his actions.
I found myself looking at the story of Jacob and Esau from the book of Genesis, whereas that was about two brothers torn apart by deception and revenge, and with these two and their story plays that out only in modern day times. One goes away for a while and the other stays due to a tragic fallout. Then he comes back to haunt the other with an agenda so big, it takes a worldwide race against the clock itself to put the brakes on him. Talk about a family reunion right? The rest of the cast was great and all involved played their parts well, the only thing that caught me off guard was Jordana Brewster and her role in this entry. In the past films she was often seen as the stand by or cheerleader for the group, but in this one she shows her chops and really puts her skills to great use. Of all the character evolutions in this film I have seen, the one I was more intrigued by was hers.
While the film does touch on the likes of 'James Bond' and 'Ocean's Eleven', this is a rollercoaster ride that shifts into high gear and doesn't let up. Even does a few things never before seen in past installments like racing and swinging, racing and magnetizing or even a trip to outer space, need I say more? Obviously the theme of family here is explored in a big and different way, but this goes beyond family or loyalty combined. F9 may be seem off at some point here and there, but if your into this franchise I doubt you'll be disappointed as far as eye-popping candy entertainment is concerned. The opening logo, for one thing, had me in awe because it took me right back to the old days. Whoever came up with that idea must have done something right. If there's one thing I liked about the film, it was the nostalgia behind it. The back story of the Toretto's, where they got their love of racing from, it's all right here. Do I recommend this? If you've seen the other entries, yes. If not, what are you waiting for?! This was my first movie theater experience with several others since last year after the pandemic caused theaters to close. Like the film itself, it was a homecoming after a long absence. See it if you want to catch a good film with racing and family or nostalgia's sake. Just don't expect too much from this or none of it will matter at all.
MY RATING: * * 1/2 OUT OF * * * * *