Idris Elba and Vanessa Kirby Steal The Show in Hobbs and Shaw

While Idris Elba may not have turned out to be 007, he takes over every frame as an operative from Eteon Headquarters giving me ‘Black Superman’ meets ‘Ironman’ in this latest installment of the Fast and Furious franchise. aptly titled Fast and Furious Presents:  Hobbs and Shaw.

Focusing on Shaw’s sister, M16 Agent Hattie Shaw (Vanessa Kirby) and its villain Brixton (Idris Elba), an agent for the military underground group Eteon, as all the characters attempt to revive a bio-hazard like virus Hattie has injected herself with that could potentially wipe the world in a matter of days.

True to the franchise, the relationship with Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Shaw (Jason Statham) continues to be contentious  with body blows and acerbic, witty insults hurled at every opportunity.  The film doesn’t waste anytime getting right to the heart of the action sequences and are filmed exquisitely slow so that the audience can enjoy every inch of it. Yet, all of this are staples of Fast and Furious films, so no surprise there.

Ladies, Idris Elba in that black leather suit is all I’m gonna say.  It’s a beautiful sight to behold and Vanessa Kirby (Hattie) proves that women can handle themselves, in some instances, better than their male counterparts.  Kirby and Elba are badass to the bone and kept my attention matching the charisma of the two leads nearly stealing the film.  There’s some celebrity cameos including one from Ryan Reynolds, as a wise-cracking superhero agent and some other faces fans of the franchise may recognize.

Paying homage to his Samoan heritage, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is reminding Hollywood of who he is at his core.  It was tastefully done and much appreciated.  What is also appreciated is Johnson’ chemistry with his daughter.  Many black and brown men onscreen are often portrayed as not being there for their kids and this dude proves that myth simply is not true.  Some men actually take care of their kids and love them with all the heart they can muster.

The soundtrack, as usual, always drives this franchise with cinematography just as gorgeous sweeping  across the plains of Hawaii to a rain battle to its signature fight and action sequences fans have come to know, love and appreciate.

Directed by David Leitch and produced by Universal Pictures, Fast and Furious Presents:  Hobbs and Shaw is the stuff a summer blockbuster is made of.  Decide for yourself as it hits theaters today – August 2.