Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw

Director David Leitch’s Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw is the definition of a summertime popcorn movie. And, that’s what makes it so enjoyable.

Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Shaw (Jason Statham) must overcome their animosity toward each other to take on the genetically enhanced Brixton (Idris Elba) in order to save the world from a deadly vaccine that Shaw’s estranged sister Hattie (Vanessa Kirby) has embedded in her palm.  Unless its diluted and drained from her body within a few days, she will be dead and the rest of the world will become infected. 

I know.  But, just go with it.  The action is great and Vanessa Kirby has a captivating face and an attitude that’s fun to watch.

I give Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw a 3.9 out of 5.

The Lion King

It never ceases to amaze me how film animation has advanced.  Producer/Director Jon Favreau’s The Lion King is the current example of how realistic it has become.

But that’s not the best aspect of this wonderful film.  It’s theme of “the circle of life” as one moves from "no worries" childhood to purposed adulthood is an excellent lesson for both young and old.  

If you have children, this is a must-see.  If you are a child at heart, this is a must-see.  If you think you are too sophisticated for this type of fare, this is a must-see.

If you really can’t get the message, at least you’ll be delighted by the antics of Pumbaa (voice of Seth Rogen) and Timon (voice of Billy Eichon).

I give The Lion King a 4.7 out of 5.

Stuber

Director Michael Dowse’s Stuber would have been better titled Stupid.

Here’s one film where the Director of the Movie Trailer should have been the film’s Director.  At least that was entertaining.

As it is, Stuber ‘s appeal is to 12 or 13-year-old boys that like to see things crash or get wrecked.

The ridiculous premise is that a giant cop (Dave Bautista), who has just had Lasik surgery, is trying to catch a killer (Rene Moran) and purloins a small Uber driver (Kumail Nanjiani) to drive him around and be his eyes. 

Thanks to Nanjiani there are some funny lines and situations, but they are dwarfed by the sheer idiocy of the story.

I give Stuber a 1.9 out of 5.