Film Reviews

2 Fast 2 Furious

• Rating:
• Director: John Singleton.
• Starring: Paul Walker, Tyrese Eva Mendes, Cole Hauser, Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, James Remar, Devon Aoki.
• Details: US / 108 mins / (15PG).

When the most imagination that a film shows lies with its title, there are not too many positives to be taken from the excursion. Such is the case with 2 Fast 2 Furious, the lame sequel to The Fast and the Furious (2001). And while the latter could never be confused with a classic, its natural ebullience and some well orchestrated action sequences made it a painless if dim-witted romp. That its sequel is so weak-willed, inarticulately plotted and badly served by its stars is inexcusable, however. Former cop Brian O'Connor (Walker) is now earning a living racing on the streets of Miami. One bust later and he's helping the FBI dethrone a big league drug dealer (Hauser). Teaming up with his old pal Roman (Tyrese) and a saucy undercover agent, Monica (Mendes), O'Connor sets out to infiltrate the druglord's gang. Since this film is aimed at prepubescent boys, his modus operanti doesn't extend much beyond driving souped up motors very fast, usually in close proximity to scantily clad females. The force who, ahem, drove The Fast and the Furious, Vin Diesel, passed on the sequel and it's not hard to see why. Shockingly cynical, 2 Fast 2 Furious is a cumbersome mess, a film where there's not a hint of originality or grace. Still, if the action was of a high enough standard, much would be forgiven. Unfortunately, Singleton directs with all the panache of a hack.

Review by Garreth Murphy