The sixth edition of this high-octane action franchise makes as little sense as previous instalments; the plot is filled with holes big enough to drive a tank through, the action interrupted by short bursts of pointless dialogue delivered by wooden actors.
Which is probably beside the point. If you're thinking of paying to see the same film for a sixth time you're obviously less concerned with plausibility and more interested in the car chases and action offered by the Fast and Furious franchise. And when it comes to over-the-top and thrilling action, F&F6 delivers.
Read: Dominic Corry on the best and worst of the fast and the furious.
Director Justin Lin has deemed nothing too ridiculous or far-fetched. He's introduced a new range of vehicles, including a car designed to send oncoming traffic tumbling into the air, and military vehicles that enable drivers to perform stunts that defy belief and physics.
They're really quite good fun and should provoke a laugh, some for how audacious they are, others for being ludicrous.
Unfortunately, in between bouts of high-speed action there's a dud story about nasty mercenaries driving around Europe stealing military equipment.
They can apparently be stopped only by Dominic Toretto (Diesel) and his team of speedsters, who are exiled in Rio after their last profitable jaunt. Dominic, Brian (Walker) and their crew are approached by American military man, Luke Hobbs (Johnson), who asks them to help; they agree, in return for pardons allowing them all to return home.
Needless to say, all this is nonsense, from the size of Dwayne Johnson's shoulders to a gang of street racers being the only option available to stop a group of highly organised mercenaries threatening world peace.
In fairness, we're not being asked to believe it, just enjoy the ride. Brace yourself: apparently this is not the end of the Fast and Furious franchise, there will always be more.
Stars: 2.5/5
Cast: Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Paul Walker
Director: Justin Lin
Running Time: 130 mins
Rating: M
Verdict: So bad it's almost good
- TimeOut
