Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw is the next installment and a spin off from the FF franchise. Directed by David Leitch, Hobbs and Shaw as the title suggests is all about Hobbs and Shaw. Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, two of the top rated actors of Hollywood, who were also part of the previous films, come together for a mission of a lifetime! Do they entertain in this all-action based thriller?

Hobbs and Shaw leaves you no time to breathe and starts off with a breathtaking chase based, fight sequence starring Vanessa Kirby and Idris Elba (the bad guy as he claims himself to be in the very introduction). Now these are two main characters in the film that is otherwise all about Dwayne and Jason. The plot of this film revolves around a dangerous virus that Idris is after, in order to conquer the world. Meanwhile, Hobbs and Shaw are appointed by their managers to turn this bad guy down. However, Vanessa who plays Hattie Shaw (Jason’s sister), has other ideas as she gets a hold of the virus before all of them and injects it into her body. Do Hobbs and Shaw alongside Hattie Shaw save the world from this virus and also save Hattie’s life which is otherwise in danger? Or does Idris (Brixton Lore) get the upper hand.

It is easy and safe to say that this sort of an action film would start and end in predictable ways. But how the makers engage their mass audiences in between these 2 hours and 15 minutes would decide the fate of films of this genre. First things first, the chemistry between Hobbs and Shaw was fantastic and easily the USP of the film. There are almost 4-5 scenes where you watch them argue and fight among themselves and it is so hilarious as well as entertaining to watch. Be it their meeting sequence at the headquarters or the scene where they are trapped by idris and tied to chains in the second half, they are purely entertainers and weave out a crazy performance. Vanessa as Hattie is fabulous and her stunts and attitude on screen are a big positive.

In the latter half, we are introduced to two other characters. Eddie Marsan as the scientist and the super hot Eiza Gonzalez as Madam M. Though their screen time is less, they leave a lasting impact. Eiza is beautiful, stylish, sharp and sexy while Eddie is that cup of humour that you were waiting for. The film transcends between the US, London, Russia and finally Samoa (near New Zealand). The locations are a big positive and the chase sequences in London are extravagant. You could say your money is worth just right there. In Moscow, the film takes a dip and at Samoa, there is a family sentiment and bonding followed by a massive helicopter based chase and fight sequence. Now, though this sentiment portion in the Samoa location between Hobbs and his family seems like the best way to move the plot forward, it seems a little force fitted and unnecessary to finish things off there.

Also, another issue in the film could be the fact that there are two big stars to cater to. Both Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham as Hobbs and Shaw were fantastic no doubt. But there seemed to be a pressure for the makers to divide the screen space equally to satisfy both the stars and this makes the movie a little draggy. For instance, there is a sibling based bonding scene for Jason with his sister which is essential for the plot. But immediately, there is another scene that has Dwayne bonding with his long lost brother in Samoa which seems forced. Issues like these reduce the engagement factor of the second half. The first half as you can call it is a high on action and gives you an adrenaline rush. It is easily the better part of the film until you witness the climax. But the proceedings from the centre to the end could have been a lot crisper and the screenplay a lot tighter.

Technically , Hobbs and Shaw boasts of the best action that one could ever ask for. Cinematography too, is good by Jonathan Sela and the edit could have been a little crisper. However, the visuals involving the London chase, the Samoa fight scenes involving the helicopter at the island’s edge are all a treat for action lovers. However, the villain is typical and there is nothing very unique about the way he handles stuff. This is another drawback for the film as one might expect a smarter villain given the fact that he is touted to be super powerful on the outside.

Nevertheless, the film Hobbs and Shaw is action all the way with some light moments in the latter half. There is style, swag, mass, action, adrenaline rush and everything one would want from this sort of a film but a better connect and a smarter screenplay with some interesting elements such as more unpredictable plot points would have made this a must watch. Still, do not be surprised if Hobbs and Shaw emerges as the blockbuster of the year for all the good that it has to offer for the majority mass audiences who expect just pure, sensible entertainment.

Bottomline: High on action and sensible entertainment, this is a good watch for the majority masses!

Rating: 2.75/5