FAST AND FURIOUS SIX is an entertaining action sequel that doesn't thrill like the last one and it doesn't have any action sequences that stand out like the vault chase in FAST FIVE. The post-credits sequel shows where FAST SEVEN is going as this trilogy comes full circle to the ending of FAST AND THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT which takes place after these last three movies.  This film closes up the trilogy begun with FAST AND FURIOUS and continued into FAST FIVE with the conclusion being FAST AND FURIOUS SIX.   This latest entry in the long running action series has DDS Agent Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) recruit the team he was originally tasked to track down in FAST FIVE to bring down a criminal gang led by former British Special Ops solider Owen Shaw (Luke Evans).  Hobbs entices Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) to stop Shaw because Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) may not be dead after all as was reported in FAST AND FURIOUS.   Most of the old crew is back from Brian (Paul Walker), Han, Gisele, Roman, and Tej while Dom’s sister Mia remains behind with her and Brian’s son.  Owen Shaw is gathering components for a military weapon and soon Dom and Brian learn Shaw is playing his own game when he allows you to get close because he wants you to.

 

FAST AND FURIOUS SIX has a good blend and humor even though it doesn’t match the greatness of the best entry in the series (FAST FIVE).   Luke Evans is great as Owen Shaw while it is good to see Michelle Rodriguez back from the dead again (she was brought back from the dead for the last RESIDENT EVIL film too).  The film is ultimately about Dom trying to put the family back together and Brian realizing how sometimes he can’t let his past decisions haunt him.   The new film does add some great kick ass female characters like Shaw’s other female on his crew and Gina Carrano (who plays Hobbs partner) It closes a few doors while opens up new ones and set the stage for FAST AND FURIOUS SEVEN next summer.   The car chase sequences and the plane climax are great and over-the-top like the Fast and Furious series is trying to combine James Bond and Batman in a Fast and Furious film.   I just hope the quick turnaround to make the next one won’t harm the quality of that sequel (which won’t be directed by Justin Lin who has left after directing the last four movies in the series).   I love the madcap action and the humor in what is one of the perfect popcorn movies for the summer movie season.

 

This movie review is (c)5-29-2013 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission.  Send all comments to feedback@enterline-media.com