F9

     

      The latest entry in the Fast & Furious franchise has veered so far off course that it hardly resembles the original film. In an attempt to bridge that gap, we get flashbacks to the original Toretto family. The original cast returns led by Vin Diesel as Dom Toretto, who never seems to age. Even characters presumed dead are resurrected for this 9th entry in the series.

     What was once a story of illegal street racing, has turned into larger-than-life global missions. Missions that get bigger and more outrageous with each film. This time out John Cena plays Jake Toretto, Dom's long-lost younger brother who is working for the "bad guys". The flashbacks explain the bad blood between the brothers. Chris "Ludacris" Bridges and Tyrese Gibson are part of the returning cast and as usual play the comic relief.  However, their particular storyline this time, really leads the film into "jump the shark" territory. 

      The film is at once exciting and yet ridiculous. No one is ever really in jeopardy and that fact is even recognized by one of the characters himself. The CGI stunts are pretty incredible though and certainly keep things action packed. Check your brain at the door and enjoy the ride.