Well, eight movies in, and somehow this franchise just keeps plugging on with basically the same formula, basically the same style, basically the same cast, and yet it continues to bring in audiences. Fate of the Furious is exactly what you expect from the franchise with big actions scenes, big car chases, bad guy trying to take over the world, etc. And just like the rest of the movies, it's largely successful in delivering on those expectations.

Fate of the Furious twists things a little by having Vin Diesel's character work against his regular team, having been essentially forced to do so by the main villain played by Charlize Theron. This results in all the main characters coming together for over the top action and explosions. Suspension of disbelief is a must for the movie, but what else is new? The action is good, the explosions are big, and there are plenty of ruined vehicles and buildings by the end.

If you've seen the other movies, you already know what to expect. If you haven't, I guess you won't really miss out on anything by jumping in at this point.

All the main cast returns from the past three or four movies, including the baseline people plus Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, and Kurt Russel. This time, instead of a giant airplane, they have a giant submarine.

Good mindless theater fun.

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Slowguy

(insert pithy phrase here...)