Vin Diesel’s Dom Toretto is leading a quiet life off the grid with Letty and his son, little Brian, but they know that danger always lurks just over their peaceful horizon. This time, that threat will force Dom to confront the sins of his past if he’s going to save those he loves most. His crew joins together to stop a world-shattering plot led by the most skilled assassin and high-performance driver they’ve ever encountered: a man who also happens to be Dom’s forsaken brother, Jakob (John Cena, the upcoming The Suicide Squad).

Long time Fast & Furious director Justin Lin returns to helm this extravaganza blockbuster action event and he definitely takes it to a whole new level. Cranking up the NOS and smashing into sixth gear, Lin literally takes this franchise into the stratosphere and it’s so unbelievably crazy that it just works. With each successive film is the Fast Saga we’ve seen this franchise get bigger and bolder with its storytelling, and Fast & Furious 9 is peak crazy. From full-on jungle chase scenes to John Cena’s Jakob Toretto literally zip-lining through the streets of Glasgow, to an appearance from Cardi B, Fast & Furious 9 has it all!

Lin throws equal parts explosively insane action, alongside some gripping back story, up on the big screen and he takes you back to the beginning of the Torretto story when we first meet a young Dominic and witness the shocking accident that took his father from him, and shaped him into the man he is today. Mixing together a deep family drama, with some absolutely crazy action scenes, keeps you pumped as an audience member, but it’s really the focus on Dom’s past that keeps things interesting, and long time Fast & Furious fans will appreciate these narrative developments.

Once again Vin Disel is front and centre as Dominic Toretto and this time it’s personal. As the alpha father of this eclectic family, Dom has some seriously hard choices to make this time, and his present actions are shaped by the fact that no man can outrun his past….no matter how hard he drives. Expect plenty of Diesel’s classic machismo and a whole heap of white tank tops, as he struts out to save the day. Having now played the role of Dom for twenty years, Diesel knows this character down to the bone, but we still get to see some new insights into this man which keeps things interesting.

Facing down Diesel’s Dom is WWE superstar and rising Hollywood A-lister John Cena as his estranged brother Jakob Toretto, a brutal espionage agent and assassin who has lived his life in Dom’s shadow. And Cena plays it up as this nasty bad guy. Known for his gung-ho action roles and goofball persona, Jakob Toretto is a real change-up for Cena and he’s one bad dude. Cena’s physicality is a massive part of the role, and we get to see him show his ground and pound skills, alongside some slick new moves behind the wheel. Cena is definitely a surprise in the role, and in my opinion, is one of the best parts of the film. And Jakob Torretto’s complex character leads me to want to see more of him in future instalments.

Everyone is present and accounted for here in Fast & Furious 9. And by everyone, I mean EVERYONE. Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jordana Brewster Nathalie Emmanuel, Helen Mirren, Kurt Russell and Charlize Theron all make appearances in the film. Plus we’ve also got the return of Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift’s Lucas Black, Bow Wow and Jason Tobin as Sean Boswell, Twinkie and Earl Hu as well. Plus being that this is Fast & Furious 9, there are several characters who return in the most unexpected, logic crushing way, and it’s very fun to watch the other characters react to their re-appearances.

If you’re looking for action, well you’ll get it here, and Fast & Furious 9 literally goes to the stratosphere and back with some absolutely INSANE set pieces that are sure to have you amped! Seriously the level of action in this film is CRAZY, and you won’t be able to anticipate what’s coming next. Part of the fun of it is that Lin lets his characters have this sort of self-referential humour to all the craziness that is going around them, and there’s plenty of unexpected comedy that comes out of this one. If I had to talk up my favourite moment of the film it’s most certainly the rocket-powered Pontiac Fiero, a crazy contraption that shouldn’t exist, but somehow does, and leads to the film’s most memorably crazy scene.

Fast & Furious 9 is crazy level fun, and audiences who are seeking big action, big laughs and the quintessential story of the Torretto family will absolutely be rewarded with this one. So prepare to crank the NOS and brace yourself for a rush because this one delivers it!

Image: Universal Pictures

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Following in the path of 2009’s Star Trek and 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness, director and lifelong Trek fan Justin Lin (Fast & Furious 6) has stepped up to take the Enterprise and its crew in a bold new direction. Where previously Abrams set the majority of his story within the shiny chrome interior of the Enterprise, Lin literally does away with the grand vessel and throws his characters into the unknown of a strange new alien world. It’s a plot device that he picks up directly from the original series, and which gives this film a new sense of direction and energy. This ‘escape and evasion’ storytelling has a real nostalgic feel to it, and is a grand way to keep audiences guessing as the action picks up speed.

Lin also pulls back the focus of the movie from the usual trinity of Kirk (Pine), Spock (Zachary Quinto) and Uhora (Zoe Saldana), and showcases more action from the perspective of its supporting cast including Simon Pegg’s Montgomery Scott and Karl Urban’s Dr. Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy. This greater character canvas results in a deeper and more involved story for audiences, as well as some unexpected character moments, especially from Urban who steals the movie with his pithy one-liners. Newcomer Sofia Boutella is a great new addition to the franchise and conveys an alien rock chick charisma as Jaylah, a mysterious alien with a connection to Krall, and whose ‘bad girl’ antics make her a much-needed ally to the crew of the Enterprise in this their most desperate hour.

A movie is nothing without its bad guy though and Star Trek Beyond gets a worthy one with Idris Elba’s alien warlord Krall. This blue-skinned, reptilian beast is the walking embodiment of hate and vengeance, and he certainly gives Kirk a run for his money. Idris really disappears into this vindictive character through the use of some amazing prosthetics which add to the character’s menace. It’s a different side of Elba than we’ve seen before, and after this I’m thoroughly keen to see him embrace his villainous side in further roles.

Audiences familiar with Star Trek will also be aware that the Trek family suffered some absolutely heartbreaking tragedies recently with the passing of Trek legend Leonard Nimoy and the shocking sudden death of young star Anton Yelchin. While both of these losses were heavy blows for the cast and crew they do their utmost to honour them in the most sincere and loving way. Yelchin is absolutely animated on screen as plucky young comms officer Chekov, and from all accounts you’re certain that he had a ball with this role, which like the other supporting characters, gave him a wealth of screen time, and some genuinely cool moments. To both of these amazing performers, Star Trek Beyond is a fitting tribute and a wonderful representation of their characters.

If you’re looking for a blockbuster rush Star Trek Beyond has it all. So pull up a seat, grab your popcorn and prepare for warp speed.

Image source: Paramount Pictures

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After reaching Starbase Earhart on the edge of Federation space, the crew of the USS Enterprise is suddenly ambushed in a vicious attack, and left for dead. Stranded on an unknown alien planet and split up from one another, they find themselves combating a power hungry new villain who knows everything about them, and who will stop at nothing to destroy the Federation.

The trailer sure stirs plenty of emotions, especially in relation to James T. Kirk’s (Chris Pine) symbolic destiny to his father George Kirk (Chris Hemsworth), and their positions as Starfleet captains. It also introduces us to Idris Elba’s hulking new villain Krall, who has little regard for the concept of mercy, and is ready to take the Enterprise down. Director Justin Lin appears to have a handle on the frenzied action of Beyond, while also devoting significant time to character development as the crew of the Enterprise face this brand new threat.

Trek fans will be lining up for this epic third chapter when Star Trek Beyond makes its way into theatres in Australia and NZ on July 21 and in the US and UK on July 22.

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