FAST & FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS & SHAW

One thing that popped out in my mind when Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw is mentioned is refreshment. Hobbs & Shaw imburses a new color throughout the Fast & Furious universe. It offers a new, different storyline. I was excited when this movie first came out, and I booked my ticket immediately to watch it at the premiere with no hesitation.

If we think about Fast & Furious, vigorous fighting, crime, and car race that involves fancy high-speed cars will surely be the storyline’s core. I used to think so, too. But I was wrong. The ambiance of the scenes was more lively than I expected them to be. It was an amusing experience watching it and would rewatch for several times.

Here below is the passage summary of the movie, before we dive into deeper analysis and review.

HOBBS & SHAW SUMMARY

Living his normal life as a former Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) agent, Luke Hobbs was informed by his old friend that a weaponized virus was circulated freely, illegally, and globally. Eteon, a tech-weapon company, was the mastermind behind the horrendous act. The virus itself is a scientific weapon that is allegedly able to liquefy human internal organs. Eteon believed that human evolution is crucial to resuscitate a new form of human, stronger and advanced. Thus, they would eradicate every party that gets in their way. Brixton Lore, one of Eteon’s staff, is the one who is responsible for the destructive plan.

Hobbs with his old friend, Victor Locke, cooperated to overthrow Brixton, followed by Eteon’s legacy. It is surely a hard task to do, but he will manage. Victor prepared and gathered any pieces of information regarding the virus and Eteon, therefore Hobbs could perform his ‘superhero’ action, technically to save the whole world from the apocalypse.

Deckard Shaw, a man who Hobbs wished he never interacted with, and his ex-enemy, apparently was paired with him to synergize together to attack Brixton and his trained soldiers. Hobbs refused the deal, and so did Shaw, but seemed like they had no choice. With some considerations, they finally managed to get along pretty well. The heist involved Hattie, Shaw’s sister, hence it was a family business. To prevent bigger chaos, Hattie decided to inject the virus into her own body, therefore the virus could not be stolen so easily. Unfortunately, this ‘noble’ act of her lead to another problem. If the virus was not extracted from her within few days, it will automatically be activated and liquefied her internal organs.

Will Hobbs and Shaw get along? Is Hattie going to survive? Are there any particular motives behind Brixton’s plan? Will the world be safe?

HOBBS & SHAW CAST

Dwayne Johnson, an iconic actor of all time, apparently participated again in Hobbs & Shaw. Been participating since 2015, Mr. Rock (his stage-wrestling name) portrays a fierce, harsh character yet soft to her one and only daughter. His acting skill is undoubtedly mesmerizing, and his fighting scene, how do I even begin to elaborate his fighting skill? Astonishing. The fighting skill is probably gained from his experience in the wrestling and boxing world.

Another star of the show is Jason Statham. Starring numerous Hollywood-class films, his acting is unquestionable. Most of the films he had starred in before were thrilling-action, though. No wonder he looks very capable of the scenes assigned to him (re: shooting, intense fighting, et cetera). He participated once in a comedy movie, Gnomeo and Juliet, which I did not expect. He and Dwayne had a virtuous ‘chemistry’ in Hobbs & Show, judging from the scenes where they both were in-frame together.

Vanessa Kirby played a huge part in the movie as well. Starring as Hattie or Shaw’s sister, she showed the grace and elegancy of a woman while doing harsh fighting scenes. Her acting was also awesome and clean, you can feel the tension and emotion she was embracing throughout the whole movie.

HOBBS & SHAW IN SAMOA

I didn’t expect to see such beautiful scenery from Samoa in this movie. Located in the center of the South Pacific Ocean, Samoa offers breathtaking views all around the island and intriguing tourist attractions as well. It was informed that Samoa was Hobb’s home, where he was born, where his family lived, where he truly belonged.

The story of Samoa began when Hobbs decided to go home for some mission purposes, hence the saving-the-world mission. He needed to meet his brother, Jonah, who happened to be a great mechanic. Jonah refused Hobbs’s request and turned him down at first because, how do you feel about meeting your long-lost brother who left home and betrayed his own family? They managed to get along nonetheless, they were family. The Samoans surprisingly decided to help Hobbs with his mission.

This is where things are getting interesting. Turned out Brixton was able to track Hobbs, Shaw, and Hattie’s location successfully, thanks to Eteon’s technology, and since they were on an island, weapon resources were limited. Hobbs’s mother offered them to use native weapons such as spears and rock shields. At first, I was thinking, I never thought of seeing native versus modern war in a Fast Furious universe, but it happened. I gasped so hard due to the war visualization. The Samoans’ effort to wipe Brixton and his allies away from their home was indeed phenomenal. Never have I ever thought that spears could beat advanced modern snipers.

I think that the Samoa scene is one of the highlights of the movie, which we all should pay attention to the set details.

HOBBS & SHAW REVIEW

Hobbs & Shaw is indeed a refreshment for Fast & Furious fans all around the world. I don’t mind rewatching it multiple times when I’m at leisure. Every time I rewatch it, the excitement still feels the same as the first time I watched it.

The actors’ skill was unquestionable. You will be mesmerized by seeing them doing their scenes spectacularly. I salute the directors for being able to constantly direct decent movies. The sets were also superb. London, Moscow, Samoa, every set is wrapped up excellently. Thanks to the actors for also preparing their best to deliver such amazing acts for audiences. The training must have been excruciating, but it was worth the effort.

I have no problems with the movie at all. Perhaps there are some minor mistakes or inconveniences throughout the movie, but they are vague, I barely notice them. If I have to give feedback, I would probably say that Margarita’s (re: Shaw’s partner) background could have been elaborated further, the uncertainty regarding her background could lead to confusion.

CONCLUSION

I would personally rate Hobbs & Shaw a 9 out of 10. Every aspect of the movie is great, hands down. Watching this movie is something you will not regret. This PG-13 movie can be enjoyed by teenagers to adults. Kids are advised not to watch due to some visualizations of violation and vandalism. It is entertaining, thrilling, amusing, and touching. Few family scenes warmed my heart as I was watching them. You can watch this movie whenever you feel like it. When you’re bored, need refreshment, every time. But, if you’re looking for a one-hundred-percent thrilling or crime, this movie will not make it for you.

Thank you for reading the article! More articles are uploaded occasionally on fuselinecinema.com (it’s in Japanese though)