F9

Encompassing nine films over 20 years, the Fast and the Furious franchise — or “The Fast Saga,” as it’s apparently been repurposed these days — has been creatively spinning its wheels for some time.

The latest installment, called F9, continues that trend, although it won’t matter to fans of the series, for whom each new sequel feels like a family reunion by now, both for the characters on two feet and those with four wheels.

Judging from box-office receipts, those devotees approve of the franchise essentially ditching its original street-racing concept in favor of adopting a bigger-is-better philosophy that turns its ragtag band of speed freaks into globetrotting renegade action heroes.

As such, this gleefully ridiculous entry follows that same approach, emphasizing spectacle over substance yet lacking the intrigue to match the ambitions of its travel itinerary.

The story finds Dom (Vin Diesel) having to confront his past, which disrupts his quiet life as a family man. The issue stems from the tragic death of his father in a racing accident years ago, and the lingering emotional scars for Dom’s estranged brother, Jakob (John Cena).

Then there is the return of Cipher (Charlize Theron), the bowl-haired villainess from the prior movie, who has recruited Jakob to follow through on her quest for vengeance. Dom rounds up his usual collaborators for some high-octane showdowns featuring armored vehicles, helicopters, parkour, martial arts, giant magnets, and more.

As directed by Justin Lin, returning to the fold for the first time since Fast & Furious 6, the film features plenty of stylish technical highlights showcasing elaborate action set pieces, visual effects, and stunt work.

It’s not really worth breaking down the intricacies of the derivative screenplay by Lin and Daniel Casey (Kin), which stumbles in terms of emotional depth and character development, but you probably already knew that. You could probably watch large stretches without sound and not miss much.

Instead, the focus here is on the pyrotechnics, amped-up chase scenes, and high-tech weaponry. There are some scattered self-reflexive laughs, too, when the crew ponders its invincibility or segues into some gratuitous cameos. After all, these films have assembled quite an impressive all-star ensemble by now.

Trying to upstage its predecessors at all costs, F9 is crowd-pleasing nonsense that provides adrenaline-fueled fun for a while before running out of gas.

Rated PG-13, 143 minutes.