Summer Review #3 -- Fast & Furious 6

Before this high-octane fantasy was even released, the seventh Fast & Furious entry was announced for next year. The popularity of the franchise is at an all-time high, and the filmmakers keep tricking it out similarly to the vehicles populating the films. At the same time, they are keeping certain elements familiar, allowing the fans to come back again and again to the characters we know and love.

When former British Special Forces operative Owen Shaw (Luke Evans) destroys a Russian military convoy in his search for a destructive device, agent Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) asks Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his team for help in taking Shaw down. Complicating the matters is Shaw's second in command, Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez), Dominic's presumed dead ex-girlfriend. With a new agent (Gina Carano) joining Hobbs, the team sets off for London to break up Shaw's operation... 

The one word that best describes this film is MORE. There are more chases, more fights and more effects all around. The scale of the franchise now expands to Europe and the locations are utilized to maximum potential. I am particularly referring to the subway sequence, which also boasts some admirable editing. The airplane and the highway scenes are the other two to remember. Long and elaborate, they each take the action to a new level and offer up some intriguing developments. With adrenaline pumping at every turn, the film is a thrill to experience on the big screen. Simply put, it is the stuff that summer blockbusters are made of. Watch out for the very last scene as well; if you are a fan, it is sure to rock your world.

The actors have more to do here than in the previous installment. I have always loved the chemistry between Walker and Diesel and think that Johnson is a great addition to the series. Carano is an action force to be reckoned with, as is Rodriguez, whose return is explored in a very interesting storyline. It also has to be said that the actresses' fight scenes are incredibly choreographed and executed. As Shaw, Evans is pragmatic and ominous. He possesses a certain darkness that makes me really look forward to his portrayal of Dracula next year. The cast takes advantage of the techno toys and obviously have fun doing it, making the film that much more exciting for the audience. 

The Fast & Furious franchise is a summer treat if ever there was one. Without signs of pretense or lethargy, it keeps revving up its engine and racing off into success. It is a fun time at the multiplex and, during a period of restless heat and bleak news enveloping the world, that is occasionally all you need.

8/10