Movie Review: "Fast & Furious 8"

The Furious franchise hasn’t been very fast at creating a noteworthy film, but they finally have one – eight is great. They have moved from “mostly muscle” to “successful story” driving their usually fast moving action and loads of special effects into a movie appealing to most viewers.

In this version we see a believable story, acted by competent actors, delivering more meaningful dialogue in a movie filmed in interesting locations. The opening scenes are interesting because they were filmed in Havana, Cuba, a country unvisited by most travelers.

Adding to the interest of these muscle car movies are the vintage American cars that have roamed the streets of Havana since the 50s when the country was closed to American visitors.

The usually flat and angry Lefty (Michelle Rodriguez) smiles and laughs a bit in this film. Even Dominic (Vin Diesel) shows some tenderness as he drags his chunky body from bed to steering wheel. Hobs (Dwayne Johnson) also allows a bit of humor and sensitivity to his role, along with his glistening biceps.

For an amusing note, Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell) and his assistant, Little Nobody (Scott Eastwood), working out of their offices in nowhere, appear in the film just when a respite is needed from the computer generated action on the screen.

The “bad guy,” Cipher (Charlize Theron), is not only very bad, but very beautiful and delivers her part of the script with intensity and a mischievous glint in her eyes. Then we have Mum (Helen Mirren), and her off-spring Deckard (Jason Statham), both making appearances which help move the story into more amusing directions.

The special effects are up to the standards of 2017, and perhaps beyond. Crazy as the explosions and car crashes may appear at times, they are somewhat believable and add a bit of comic relief to the story. Come on guys, most of that visual stuff you’ve created for the screen really couldn’t happen is real life, but it’s fun to imagine it happening.

Thanks for providing us with two hours and sixteen minutes of frivolous fun.

You ‘should see’ this movie, directed by F. Gary Gray.

johan@beachcomber.news