I've been a big fan of the franchise since the beginning, so had high hopes for this one to bring some of the original magic. With F9, it feels like all the parts were laid out, it just feels like someone had trouble pulling them together into a watchable movie.
There were certainly enough talented (or at least semi-talented) actors/actresses to have a great cast. It felt at times like the talent was walking the well-worn path, and maybe that is the problem. Actions that are comfortable to us through familiarity seldom challenge us to rise to our best.
The stunts were inventive though stretched the limits of credibility (not to mention gravity) a little too far. I guess in the 3rd decade of the 21st century, there aren't a lot of stunts that haven't been tried before, so it must be a challenge to give the audience something original. At times it felt more Marvel than some outlaw types in fast cars.
The "chicks kick butt" narrative is starting to get old too (please, someone in Hollywood take note). Michelle Rodriguez said she was happy that the female characters were starting to get more into the action, but IMO, it feels contrived. Short of Ronda Rousey, there are very few females in the world who would ever be able to hold their own against a guy intent on seriously harming them. Sorry ladies, but its true. I think there are ways to portray strong female characters, but it is not dropping them into male roles.
Hopefully someone is paying attention to the prevailing sentiment about this movie before F10 is in the can.