Fast and Furious 8 review: Be prepared to be wowed

The latest film in the Fast and Furious saga, F8, sure lives up to what it promised. However, it's not what could be considered the best film in the series. We will tell you why.
Having watched every single Fast and Furious film, I've seen how the series evolved from a film about underground car culture to the action packed, Evel Knievel stunt-show that it is now. To many 'Fast' fans, the film reached its peak with Fast Five - most remembered for its climactic finale sequence where the protagonists pull a metal safe around Brazil using two highly-modified Dodge Chargers. I came into the cinema last night knowing that the series has seen better days. But I wouldn't tell you straight out not to see it, in fact I'd advise otherwise - Go see Fast and Furious 8, NOW.
To keep this spoiler-free, the main plot anchor of F8 sees long-time protagonist Vin Diesel turning his back on his friends. He teams up with Cipher, a cyberterrorist played by Charlize Theron. The film sees Diesel battling it out against his former comrades such as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Tyrese Gibson and Michelle Rodriguez.
For those who have watched the series (like yours truly) expect multiple plot twists, returning characters, and of course fast and loud cars. Sure, it might have departed its car culture roots by now but that doesn't mean they'll be driving around in commuter cars. Some of the cars that caught my eye were a 1971 Plymouth GTX, a Subaru BRZ, 1966 Corvette and a Lamborghini Murcielago (watch out for this Lambo' in particular).
As mentioned above, the action is not Fast Five levels in terms of excitement, but it's still enough to wow viewers. One scene in particular sees a returning character in the midst of a shootout while holding a baby. We'll give you five seconds to digest that fact. Where F8 shines, however, is the humour they put into it.
The film is commendable for adding more comedic jabs courtesy Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris. Even The Rock himself throws out some jokes early on in the film. If you're seeing the film in UAE this weekend, expect to be laughing more than you'll be saying - "whoa".
At the end of it all, the film banks hugely upon the multiple plot twists that it has. The beauty of it is that the twists are well deserved and surprising. On the bad side, F8 is filled with gaping plot holes. These plot holes will make you mull and wonder: "How and when did that come to play?" But when you have high-octane vehicles doing things they aren't supposed to do? Who cares?
Fast and Furious 8 premiers across UAE today.

• UAE
• Dubai