Cast – Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Idris Elba, Vanessa Kirby, Helen Mirren & Roman Reigns

Director – David Leitch

Genre – Mystery/Action

Running Time – 2h 16m

Ever since hulking lawman Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson), a loyal agent of America’s Diplomatic Security Service, and lawless outcast Shaw (Jason Statham), a former British military elite operative, first faced off in 2015’s Furious 7, the duo have swapped smack talk and body blows as they’ve tried to take each other down. But when cyber-genetically enhanced anarchist Brixton (Idris Elba) gains control of an insidious bio-threat that could alter humanity forever–and bests a brilliant and fearless rogue MI6 agent (The Crown’s Vanessa Kirby), 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.

Also referred to as Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, this movie (evidently) comes on the back of the successful Fast & Furious franchise where the lead characters (Hobbs and Shaw) were initially introduced to us. We recall the great chemistry the two had in Furious 7 which further amplified the franchise’s pulling power, so it’s a no brainer really that we now have a movie dedicated to just them, a great move if you ask us. Hobbs and Shaw is also a fantastic springboard before the next movie (Fast & Furious 9) in the franchise hits us next year.

As briefly mentioned, the chemistry between the two leads is very key to this and is essentially what will have you hooked…in addition to the other awesome action sequences of course. How Statham and Johnson lean on each other and feed off each other’s energy is an absolute treat to see throughout the movie. Some of the stunts are over-the-top it has to be said but the overall package which includes the comedic gold it has spread across should be enough to fulfill anyone’s appetite.

It was also pretty cool to see some of the surprise cameo appearances (which we won’t spoil for you of course) that made it an even greater enjoyable watch. The movie is what it is and delivers in every sense of the word. The cast is great and everyone plays their roles to perfection including Idris Elba who makes a great villain (who would have thunk it?), his usual onscreen charm and poise comes through even as a bad guy. This movie is not perfect and parts of it do feel unnecessary (including some of the over-the-top sequences which some might be put off by) but overall it makes for a great watch.

 Hobbs & Shaw is a great ride underpinned by the fantastic onscreen chemistry from its two leads. The comedy it contains is absolute gold and adds to the fun that’s mixed with jaw dropping action sequences. Cheesy in parts and unnecessary in some cases but overall marvelous to watch. It is indeed a great preview to the upcoming Fast & Furious movies. We had a great time while watching and no doubt you will too. Grab your boys, girlfriends or whoever who just wants to have a little fun this weekend and go watch this, it officially lands in cinemas nationwide tomorrow (02 Aug). An action packed 7.5 out of 10 rating is what it gets from us. 

Thank you to MNet Movies (in partnership with Ster-Kinekor) for allowing us to watch this a little earlier than most.

If this doesn’t give you chills filled with excitement then we don’t know what will. Elba as a villain alone should be enough to get anyone to sit up, when you further mix that with the sheer swag of powerhouses Statham and Johnson then you have the makings of something special. Hobbs & Shaw is set to hit the big screen on 2 August 2019, we are more than ready for this one…are you?

Cast – Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban, Mark Ruffalo & Anthony Hopkins

Director – Taika Waititi

Genre – Fantasy/Science fiction film

Running Time – 2h 10m

The Plot

In Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok,” Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok – the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization – at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger – the Incredible Hulk!

One of the movies I’ve been anticipating (no guesses why) has finally landed on the big screen. Needing no introduction, the character Thor has firmly established themselves in the Marvel Universe. Played by the oh so cool Chris Hemsworth (who I admit to having a small “man crush” on), our hero returns in a new edition simply titled Thor Ragnarok.

I always make it a point to check what the guys at Rotten Tomatoes (one of the most reliable movie sources) make of any movie before deciding whether or not it’s worth checking out. Surprisingly and utterly blown away to find out that Thor Ragnarok is rated at an astonishing 96% from a 100! A very and I mean very rare rating for any movie especially since the site includes the harshest of movie reviewers around. Losing my mind over the prospect, I couldn’t wait to check it out. Thankfully MNet Movies and Ster Kinekor came to my aid with a cool pre-screening.

Shot in Australia and featuring two Aussie actors in the main cast: Hemsworth and Cate Blanchett (who plays Hela, the first female villain to appear in the MCU), the movie’s events are set two years after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron and perfectly sets up the next big MCU ensemble movie, Avengers: Infinity War.

It’s no secret I love comic book based movies and one of the reasons why is they allow you to escape the real world and into a fantasy world that’s usually mystical or magical in some way. Thor Ragnarok has this and more, including cool action sequences and hilarious moments throughout, the humour is what sold it the most for me. It’s a well put together movie with a cool plot that’s not difficult to follow or believe.

Unlike DC, which is usually dark and mysterious in its approach, Marvel has always been lighter, Thor Ragnarok is another good example of this. After finally seeing it I can declare that it’s the best superhero movie this year. Should be interesting to see if it takes the bragging rights outright especially with DC’s much-anticipated Justice League movie also coming through later next month…so once again, over to you DC!

Marvel comes through and kills it once again. Thor Ragnarok is less serious in its approach but the same can be said for many of Marvel’s other offerings. A good warm up for the main event, The Avengers: Infinity War, Thor Ragnarok will easily appeal to any movie watcher who just wants to check out a good, light hearted movie that also has cool action sequences. Best comic based movie for 2017 so far, go check it out…and no it has nothing to do with my man crush…okay maybe a little. Bottom line is you won’t regret it, Thor Ragnorak get a cool 4.4 out of 5 rating from me.