“F9” is the typical “Fast and Furious” film — as one can expect now that there are officially nine films in the franchise and a 10th one on the way. Like the other eight films before this one, the story follows Dom (played by Vin Diesel, of course) as he attempts to live a peaceful, domestic life off the grid with Letty (played by Michelle Rodriguez) and his son. Dom’s plan officially falls through, as it always does, when the mistakes of his past comes back to lure him into dangerous situations. Dom and his notorious team must reunite to stop a powerful assassin (played by John Cena) who also happens to be Dom’s estranged brother.

If you have seen any of the movies in the “Fast and Furious” franchise, then you are familiar with the familial theme that remains at the heart of the franchise’s storyline amidst the action-packed car chases that consume the film. Thus, the fact that this film puts two brothers on opposing sides of the crime is honestly expected at this point, as is everything else in the film. The one feature that each film in the franchise pulls off more and more effortlessly each time is high-speed car action, which at this point, is probably the only reason fans still commit to watching these movies. In all honesty, this film was probably my least favorite of the franchise, but I will not disrespect the hard work of the stunt doubles and stunt coordinators that make these films what they are. I couldn’t care less about fast cars and high-speed action, but I will not lie and say that it was not impressive.

The main issue with this film for me was the plotline, which feels all too redundant at this point in the franchise. The fact that there are nine movies already is insane to me and eventually, the writers and producers are going to run out of the steam and narrative ideas needed to keep the franchise running. At this point, do we honestly want another one of these movies? Again, I am not discrediting the action and stunts because they always are incredible, but both the storylines and characters are getting old. I am also sick and tired of the filmmakers using action actors, such as John Cena in this one, as star vehicles to lure action buffs into the theater. While John Cena does fit right in with the Vin Diesel level of athleticism and masculinity that we are used to seeing, it doesn’t feel exciting or special in the least. Not to mention that after Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s dramatic exit after the eighth film due to Diesel’s disrespect toward the cast and production, Hollywood is running out of middle-aged male actors for the franchise to cast unless they decide to cast a more diverse, unexpected actor or actress, which is unlikely to happen because it has been the same stereotypical cast for nine films now.

“F9” is predictable in the sense that audiences know exactly what to expect the entire time. If you are a fan of the franchise, then you will unarguably enjoy yourself, but if you are not, get ready for 2 hours and 25 minutes of absolute boredom and unoriginality. Here’s to hoping Hollywood forces the franchise to retire after the 10th addition because I cannot sit through another one of these films. I give it a 4 out of 10 with all credit going to the action itself and not the screenwriters, actors, and producers.