There’s rarely any middle ground when it comes to the Fast & Furious franchise, which is what makes the spinoff Hobbs & Shaw such a surprise. The series is now nine movies deep, and most people have either surrendered themselves to the ludicrousness it contains or dismissed the movies as everything that’s wrong about Hollywood.
The film, which has the full ridiculous-on-purpose title of Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, teams up Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), who have been antagonists in previous films in the series.
This time, they’re tasked by their respective governments to track down Hattie (Vanessa Kirby), an MI6 operative infected with a secret serum that could destroy the world. Also on her tail is Brixton (Idris Elba), a super soldier backed by a shadowy organization that wants the serum for its own nefarious purposes.
Usually in this series, the story is merely a loose framework in which to include as much action as possible. However, director David Leitch and co-writers Chris Morgan and Drew Pearce offer up more than lip service to the plot this time. In fact, it could be argued that Hobbs & Shaw has more to offer in the script department than all of the previous films in the series combined.
The filmmakers lean heavily into the hostile relationship between Hobbs and Shaw, and it works like a charm. The insult-heavy banter between the two is normally something that wears thin after a while, but whether it’s the lines themselves or how Johnson and Statham deliver them, the jokes remain effective throughout the movie.
Aiding the success of the film is that prior knowledge of the series is helpful but not necessary. The background of Hobbs and Shaw is laid out well, as are the introduction or re-introduction of Hattie, Brixton, and Magdalene Shaw (Helen Mirren), Deckard’s mother who’s serving time behind bars.
It wouldn’t be a Fast & Furious movie without over-the-top action, but Leitch and company keep things relatively grounded for most of the film. The action is mostly hand-to-hand combat, with the outrageous car chase scenes the series is known for saved for just the right moments.
Finally, there are a couple of fantastic uncredited cameos that elevate an already highly entertaining movie. Both of those actors use their comedic personas to complement the talents of Johnson and Statham, and their scenes together are among the best in the movie.
With next year’s Fast & Furious 9 featuring the full cast yet again, it makes you appreciate the comparatively small scale of Hobbs & Shaw. It focuses on humor and one great central relationship, and winds up being one of the best films in the series because of it.
Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham in Hobbs & Shaw.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri