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?

Given the chance to check it out a little bit earlier by MNet Movies, I couldn’t say no to an invitation to one of the biggest movies of the year. Many have asked this and probably still are – was there a need to do another one? How good is the latest offering in the franchise? Is this the last one or will be there be another offering in the series? Hopefully the analysis below will help answer most if not all of the above.

Cast – Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Kurt Russell, Scott Eastwood, Charlize Theron & Helen Mirren

Director – F. Gary Gray

Genre – Crime film/Thriller

Running Time –  2h16m

The Plot

Now that Dom (Vin Diesel) and Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) are on their honeymoon, Brian and Mia have retired from the game, and the rest of the crew has been exonerated, the globetrotting team has found a semblance of a normal life. But when a mysterious woman seduces Dom back into a world of crime that he can’t seem to escape, the crew will face trials that will test them as never before.

The plot above doesn’t give too much away and is too simplistic but when you mix it up with the trailer you can’t help but get giddy about the movie. But does it live up to the hype? Simple answer is an outstanding yes, the movie truly is a blockbuster worth checking out and lives up to the bill. The whole franchise has been taken to another level and has continued to evolve with each movie released in the series. Fast & Furious 8 is a well put together movie complete with non-stop action, crazy but impressive stunts and a bit of comedy here and there.

The movie truly is a blockbuster worth checking out and lives up to the bill.

Sure, the plot and how it’s set up might not be mind-blowing or original but its simplistic nature makes the whole offering easy to follow. The movie flows from one end to the other seamlessly and offers a bit of everything, Fast 8 might be the best in the whole franchise. There probably wasn’t a need to do another movie in the series however it’s still a winning formula and my money is on another one in the offing especially when you consider how it concluded which you’ll see for yourself.

In addition to the other regulars, our very own Charlize Theron joins the perfectly assembled cast in a slightly surprising role as the villain. When it was initially announced that she was set to become the villain, a part of me wasn’t too sure but, surprisingly, she pulls it off without any hiccups and is in fact one of the reasons why the whole offering is a fantastic watch. A great choice in character selection and very well executed.

Fast & Furious 8 is a great flick, I truly enjoyed it and no doubt just about everyone else will, regardless of whether or not you’ve been a fanboy/girl from the onset or not. It’s got almost everything you would want in a good action thriller and is guaranteed to have your attention throughout. A great watch, the movie gets a very cool 4.4 out 5 rating from me.

* Special shoutout to MNet Movies and Ster-Kinekor for a very cool screening, one of the best I’ve been to in a while!