While The Hangover has been on the decline with it’s sequels, Fast & Furious is on its sixth installment and is even more entertaining that it was for the first four (but not as much as the fifth installment). As absurd as it keeps getting, the Fast & Furious franchise has found a way to keep it enjoyable – by changing genres with each movie.
Fast Five left the street racing behind and turned into an all-out vehicular heist movie. With an ensemble cast, it felt like the long-lost Italian Job sequel – and it completely worked. With Fast & Furious 6 – which I still think should have donned the title “V6″ – the majority of the gang is back in Mission: Impossible style. Vin Diesel and Paul Walker return, as do The Rock and Michelle Rodriguez. When the James Bond-ish terrorist plot of a notorious car gang is revealed, The Rock offers the Furious gang a chance at redemption and a full pardon if they’ll assist in thwarting the terrorists plot.
We’ve seen the Furious gang all over North America and South America, so Furious 6 takes them to London and Spain. The stakes are higher, the car chases are cooler and the action is above and beyond. Had these action scenes appeared in any other movie, they’d be worth rolling your eyes at – but here it’s sheer unashamed entertained. If you’ve liked any part of the series thus far, there’s no reason why you won’t love Fast & Furious 6.
And be sure to stay in your seats as the credits roll. There’s a fantastic tease for what lies ahead in next summer’s Fast & Furious 7. Hint: It might do you well to freshen up on Tokyo Drift.
Enjoy.
Photo credit: Universal
