While Universal Pictures doesn’t have a traditional superhero franchise, they do have the behemoth that is Fast and the Furious. Grossing nearly six billion dollars worldwide and now onto its tenth film (including the spin off Hobbs and Shaw), Fast and the Furious is a titan. So how does this new installment stack up against the rest? Fast and Furious 9 is roaring with hissing, sometimes ludicrous action, a pulsating sound track all with a rich topping of family. Exactly the kind of popcorn, blockbuster film you'd expect from the Fast and Furious franchise. 

 

Dom Toretto is living the quiet life off the grid with Letty and his son, but they know that danger always lurks just over the peaceful horizon. This time, that threat forces Dom to confront the sins of his past to save those he loves most. His crew soon comes together to stop a world-shattering plot by the most skilled assassin and high-performance driver they've ever encountered - Dom's forsaken brother.

 

As the franchise has progressed, the plots of the Fast and Furious films have become more entwined with the previous films as well as setting up the next film (there is an end credit scene at the end of this one too). While that means a divergence away from the more ‘boy racer’ story lines of the earlier couple of films, it by no means results in a lack of action. 

 

This movie is a heaving, roaring beast and while some of the action sequences are so ludicrous that you can’t help but laugh (making impossible jumps, using giant magnets and heading into outer space - yes, outer space) it's all part of the Fast and Furious franchise and mythos that you can’t help but sit on the edge of your seat with a goofy smile on your face, munching on some popcorn and sculling soda, and being thoroughly entertained. 

 

Fast and Furious 9 is a who’s who of the past films of the franchise bringing in more cameo’s and nostalgic winks than a Marvel film. But again, it’s all a part of the giddy joy of the franchise. 

 

One of the many things that I loved about Fast and Furious 9 was that it returned to its roots of pure, down to earth car racing with a flashback storyline interspersed throughout the film of Dom’s teenage family life. Teenage Dom is played by Kiwi Vinnie Bennett and the haka he received at the end of screening was not only heartwarming but also a reminder that at its center this franchise is all about family. 

 

Fast and Furious 9 is roaring with hissing, sometimes ludicrous action, a pulsating sound track all with a rich topping of family. Exactly the kind of popcorn, blockbuster film you'd expect from the Fast and Furious franchise.