Review: Hobbs and Shaw is a riotous thrill ride, just don’t think too hard

High-octane action and great chemistry make Hobbs and Shaw a good time at the movies, even if the plot leaves much to be desired.

Though behind-the-scenes drama may mean that we’ll never get to see Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson share the screen with Vin Diesel again, we’re more than OK with it if it means that he’ll keep making buddy-copy movies like Hobbs and Shaw with Jason Statham.

Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw is a pseudo-spinoff of the Fast and Furious franchise, which follows Luke Hobbs (Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Statham) as they relcuctantly pair up to take down the villianous  cyber-enhanced “black Superman” Brixton (Idris Elba) in his attempts to destroy the world via airborne virus.

Now stop right there. If that premise doesn’t sound like something that interests you, then save yourself the time and don’t see Hobbs and Shaw.

Though it is many things, Hobbs and Shaw is not a think piece. Those entering the theater hoping for a nuanced (or even at times coherent) plot will be sorely disappointed. But Hobbs and Shaw makes it very clear from the get go that it isn’t aiming for any Oscars. Refreshingly, Hobbs and Shaw is a movie that knows exactly what it is: an action-packed star vehicle full of punchy dialogue and great chemistry. It’s unashmed of poking fun at itself, and that’s when Hobbs and Shaw shines brightest.

The same can be said for its leads. Both Johnson and Statham are very clearly enjoying being able to let loose, hurl insults at each other, and knock some heads until the credits roll. Idris Elba also seems perfectly at home hamming it up as the dastardly Brixton — somehow selling lines that would be utterly ridiculous coming out of anybody else’s mouth.

While it does make for an very enteraining (and surprisingly funny) film, Hobbs and Shaw crumbles very quicky the second that you put any single aspect of the film under intense speculation.

Though Helen Mirren and Vanessa Kirby sell their dramatic scenes, most of the other “emotional” beats in the movie tend to fall flat, especially during the cliche-ridden third act. But who are we kidding? You aren’t seeing Hobbs and Shaw to be moved to tears. When it comes to a movie like this, the more that you’re willing to stop thinking and just go with it, the more you’ll enjoy yourself.

If you’re looking to kick back and let your mind go blank for a few hours while you watch buff guys chase each other down and beat each other up, you’ll love Hobbs and Shaw in all its campy, goofy glory.  It may not win any accolades come awards season, but it’s OK with that — and that’s why we love it.

Have you seen Hobbs and Shaw yet? Tell us what you thought of it in the comments below.