2 FAST 2 FURIOUS, a sequel to -- what else? -- THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, is
the first popcorn movie of this summer season. A satisfying adrenaline
rush, it is a mindless bit of escapism that speaks to the inner teenage
rebel in us all. It again features fast and colorful street racers. What
it doesn't have is Vin Diesel, a.k.a., Mr. XXX. But he isn't missed since
Paul Walker's costar this time is Tyrese. Together they make funnier and
better buddies. The original film was a lame action flick, but the sequel
really sizzles, thanks to a director upgrade from Rob Cohen (THE SKULLS and
DAYLIGHT) to John Singleton (ROSEWOOD and BOYS N THE HOOD). Singleton even
manages to make the story's cardboard characters worth caring about.
The film's opening illegal street race -- the ending credits admonish not to
try this on our local lanes -- feels at first like a pedestrian rehash of
the last picture. The race organizer, Tej (Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges),
taunts one of the sexy contestants, Suki (Devon Aoki), with double
entendres. "When you gonna pop clutch?" he kids with her. The stunt
drivers, who really shine, get their warm-up exercise in this scene. The
better ones will come later in demolition derbies on the highways and in a
spectacular, budget-busting finale.
Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) and Roman Pearce (Tyrese), keep competing with
each in great, good-spirited fashion. Oh, I forgot to mention. They end up
breaking the law in order to help the law. The Feds hire them to drive
undercover for drug dealer Carter Verone (Cole Hauser). This plot makes no
sense but is fun nonetheless
Set in south Florida, the movie is breath-takingly beautiful. My favorite
part of the movie? I know I'm showing my age, but my favorite was the pair
of seventies muscle cars that almost beat our guys' neon-lit, super fueled
cars. If they had just used a 409 -- my big-engine auto in high school -- I
would have been in hog heaven.
2 FAST 2 FURIOUS runs 1:34. It is rated PR-13 for "street racing, violence,
language and some sensuality" and would be acceptable for kids around 12 and
up.
My son Jeffrey, age 14, gave it ****. He thought the street racing and just
about everything was better this time, including a much better villain. He
especially liked the big ending twist.
Copyright © 2003 Steve Rhodes
out of 4
