The Fate of the Furious

THE GIST: Just when everything seems to be going well, Toretto is coerced by an elusive terrorist known as Cipher to betray those closest to him by going rogue. Because of his actions, Hobbs ends up in the same maximum security prison where he relegated Deckard Shaw, who cherishes the opportunity to get revenge. Toretto will have to use all of his skills and smarts to outwit Cipher, stop her anarchic plans for the world, and clean his name.

By now the franchise has earned such a reputation that it's able to attract talent of Charlize Theron's caliber, which says a lot. The Fate of the Furious continues in the grand tradition of high-speed races and chases, featuring bigger vehicles and explosions than ever before, raising the stakes higher still.

Paul Walker's absence is felt in Vin Diesel's lack of his trusted wingman, so the script wisely assigns him a solo role, while Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham easily take over the yin-yang banter.

Helen Mirren in a small but important role is delightful as always.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The franchise is once again lacking one of its original stars, but this time the production is able to keep it together and deliver another thrilling movie.

Grade: 7