86.2 MILLION. That's all that needs to be said about this movie. In this economy, if that many people pay that much to go see a movie in the first four days of it's release, it's a pretty good bet that it's worth the money. And, in this case, the masses are absolutely right.
The squad is back! (Well, not completely, they picked up a few new characters from the last few installments along with some new faces but, I digress) After breaking Dom (Vin Diesel) out of incarceration with a daring daylight bus rescue, the crew go into hiding in Rio De Janeiro. Soon enough, however, it dawns on them that they have no money and their faces are everywhere. So, they have no choice but to get back into the game, accepting a dangerous job. They fail to succeed with their heist but it does include some really cool high speed train antics and a very long fall down a cliff. (That poor car) They barely escape after being set up and nearly killed.
Unfortunately, that job was backed by the biggest drug dealer in all of Rio. That dealer, Reyes, is pissed. So, naturally, they decide to kill two birds with one stone: get revenge, and score a lot of get-away cash. One last job. At the same time, a plane lands carrying agent Hobbs (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) and his squad, who will stop at nothing to bring them in. Hobbs and Dom chase each other across rooftops and through crowded streets, finally clashing one on one in a fight scene that, I admit, caused a slight raise of my body temp.
As much as I loathed the idea of yet ANOTHER Fast & Furious sequel, or any sequel for that matter, I must admit I do have a weakness for loud cars and well-built men. This was by far the best version since the original. All of the characteristics that made the franchise a success are present, along with an injection of a little "Oceans Eleven"-ish clever capering. A two hour kick-ass thrill ride with the cast giving their best, and coming out in force for one last race. Wonderful. Oh, hey Vin, you used to look like a big guy. Next to "the Rock"... not so much.
