Did I go into F9 expecting to see a cinematic masterpiece? Absolutely not. Did I go into F9 hoping for a cohesive plot that obeys the laws of physics? Also no. But, did I go into seeing F9 with the expectation that I would see cars go fast and lots of explosions? Absolutely. And, on that end, I was not disappointed.

The newest entry in the “Fast Saga” brings back a lot of familiar faces with some very underwhelming explanations as to how they are all got there. Honestly, this film felt like a mishmash of plots and none of them were executed as well as they could have been.  I’m still baffled by the casting of John Cena to play Jakob Toretto, Dom Toretto’s brother. A comment is even made in the film by Charlize Theron’s character, Cipher, that she didn’t know the Toretto’s had some “Nordic heritage” in them.

Speaking of things becoming meta, one of the saving grace’s of this film was Roman, Tyrese Gibson’s character, questioning whether or not they are all invincible. Especially considering he had just been shot at a bunch and managed to come out without one mark on him. The Fast and Furious films definitely needed this, as it makes the film more self-aware and, as a viewer, I find that I can then be more forgiving about the absolute disregard for physics and physical well being.

AND speaking of absolute disregard for physics and physical well being, Roman and Tej go to space in a Pontiac Fiero.  That’s it. That’s all I have to say.