Peter Abrams

A good movie with good action however compared to the usual high-standard of Craig’s films, this one feels underwhelming, which considering the climatic context, leaves a flat-taste in the mouth. Perhaps the biggest criticism of the film should be directed at the plot, which if you’ve seen Captain America: Winter Solider, will feel all too familiar as it’s near identical! Craig plays Bond with the usual wit and charm, it’s just a shame the rest of the world around him fails to live up to the gravitas of the event.

Somebody asked me a hard question after I walked out of the cinema, my brain steeling trying to process the CGI-filled, max-budget pop-corn flick that is F9. “Good movie?” they asked. I suppose the answer to that question depends on your expectations. If you’ve somehow missed the previous eight instalments, you’ll sit there and wonder what on Earth (and in this film, space too, naturally) is going on and how the heck Dominic Toretto has so many secret siblings he’s forget to mention over the last ten years. If however, like the majority of people who will watch this film, you’ve seen even just one other film from this franchise, you’ll know the recipe and the score… it must be said, although the series has never been known for its philosophical conversation or poignant dialogue, this film feels very obvious, to the point me and my friend were (near enough always) correctly guessing the next lines before they were spoken. The music doesn’t feel quite as impactful as it has been used in previous films, nor do the vehicles, which take a step back to give room to what can only really be described as ‘Marvel-esque’ magnetic powers (Disney-owned franchise-crossover pending?). I don’t mind these films, this one isn’t *too* long and it does have some great cinematic moments; some hilarious ones too (although some things you’ll laugh at are meant to be taken seriously), the characters themselves spend most of their talking-time cracking meta-jokes about how this doesn’t need to make sense… does being self-aware make it less of a criminally over-the-top cash grab? I don’t know. I think any die-hard fans of this series will find this to be a ‘meh’ experience, it’s not as strong as previous outings in almost all areas and if you’re looking for a ‘good movie’ I’d steer well clear, perhaps the most-prone to love this flick would be the unknown viewer, although finding a person who’s yet to be grabbed by this turbo-franchise I’d imagine would be hard to find. Whether it be this review or another, a recommendation or warning, make no mistake: there will inevitably be more fast & furious, with even crazier plots and stunts to follow, grab the pop-corn, be grateful cinemas are open again, enjoy the insanity and then book to watch a better film on your re-visit.