"Fast and Furious" takes "Ocean's 11" downtown, swapping con men for street racers, suits for vests and hair gel for grease.

Under director Justin Lin and screenwriter Chris Morgan (who has penned the last four episodes), the series has hit on a mock-serious, car-toony groove that's hard to resist. Even Michelle Rodriguez, who was killed in the fourth flick, is back in "Furious 6," a hook to lure Dominic Toretto and crew out of retirement and onto Special Agent Hobbs' team.

The film imports a James Bond-style threat in the form of a military "Night Shade" device. The device is the kind of thing that cannot be allowed to fall into the wrong hands.

Each of the extended cast gets his or her moment to shine, and there may well be something for just about anyone here. Ludicrous, but undeniably fun and surprisingly affectionate, this is really all you could ask of a car crash movie, and more.