A prescient disclaimer: I was
forced to watch this movie. My cousin was dying to see it and I just wanted
popcorn. If you haven’t seen any of the previous iterations of this series, you’re
not the target audience. The basic premise is: fast cars go fast. I have been
an avid fan of seeing these movies. Something about the latest trailer, about
the movie going forward without Paul Walker, doesn’t sit well with me. While I
always applaud the movie for featuring diversity, in almost every form and
fashion, this edition just felt hollow and forced.
Without divulging too many
SPOILERS, the story brings together varying factions to work together to stop
Dom, the main character, from doing illegal things. He has been duped by a
newcomer, Charlize Theron, who is forcing him to work for her in some plot that
seems crazy. The best I can say about the story is, by the end, it sort of made
sense and came together nicely.
As far as the Hina test goes (don’t
worry, I’ll be adding that to the last two reviews I forgot to add it in), this
gets a half passing grade, overall pass. The cast is diverse, there are strong
female characters all around. It was really at my cousin’s comment that made me
add that last part. If not for Leddy, this movie wouldn’t have one truly
positive female character. Michelle Rodriguez may not be the most likable
person off-camera, but her delivery of hard-nosed driver is perfect for any
young girl who probably shouldn’t be watching a movie like this. If not for
Leddy, this movie would just be a bunch of boys running around in fast cars.
She gives the movie a much needed heart now that Paul Walker’s character is
gone. If you like big budget movies, you’ll probably see this. It was just
okay.
