IR Film Review: F9 - THE FAST SAGA [Universal]

A franchise like "The Fast & The Furious" going into its 9th film has to have some fun at its own expense but not play too outside the box. The issue is it is hard to take it seriously at all and yet it demands at times a gravitas. It is not about overcoming odds. it is just about wanting that adrenaline of life. While this one adds a different character in the form of Dom's brother (played by John Cena), it seems more like it is trying to pull some structure out of a hat.

The franchise is big enough to pull in decent names but also lure some new ones in. Cena plays Jacob, the younger brother, and yet it strains credibility. The story backdrop involves a world threatening aspect as always but the drama is not as heightened as it has been in previous outings. There is enough action but then it has it quiet moments (that are at times organic and, at others, unbalanced) and then some buddy cop elements with Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris which just become dumb the higher it goes.

Granted the almost Q like elements of the German clan (removed and transferred from Tokyo Drift) have some great elements of its own. A small screen spin-off of them might be fun. But the bigger behemoth that is F9 is bloated yet fun in its own sort of way. It doesn't really have any rules and there is some freedom in that. But life goes on. Some sequences shot in Thailand are interesting for a couple shots but because the films have gone so far, it just doesn't feel as relevant no matter how much money is thrown at the screen. The most dynamic beats oddly enough are the flashback scenes showing a younger Dom and Jacob because they have an emotional resonance.

Michelle Rodriguez as always is good and a one hand-to-hand close quarters combat scene (which also involved Jordana Brewster) harks back to "Girlfight" (when this reviewer first met her). She is lean and mean here and honestly right now should lead a Colonial Marines picture. We need more action pics led by her on her own. Little cameos including an unnecessary but beautifully choreographed and well acted one during a chase scene is more focused and effective (despite the fact that it is mostly expository) than the rest of the movie."F9" is entertainment and approved for the masses. It is big and loud with some moments but not really that good. C

By Tim Wassberg