Release Date:
06/06/2003
Judging by the integers in its title, 2 Fast 2 Furious is the second in a series—though we don’t much remember 1 Fast 1 Furious. Still, as far as totally unnecessary sequels go, this one’s got legs. And wheels!
Things pick up with our embittered hero from the numberless original, ex-LAPD officer Brian O’Connor (Paul Walker), now languishing in Miami and trying to squeeze out a living by racing cars in showdowns organized by some guy who looks like Ludacris with an afro (Ludacris). But soon one of his races is busted by the fuzz, and O’Connor is blackmailed into working some undercover—but only under the condition that he be partnered with childhoodrat friend Roman Pearce (Tyrese). From here, the plot moves along as if torn from the pages of a Grand Theft Auto instructions booklet, as we’re treated to an assortment of improbable training missions designed to prepare the duo for a big-time drug-money exchange. But 2’s simple story makes sure that after any five-minute stretch of dialogue, we’re returned to the comfort of downshifting, nitrous-boosting automotive action. (Which, on the big screen, is almost 2 intense, 2 nauseating!) Tyrese does a surprising job with what he’s given (i.e., store-bought cocky, urban ex-con role), and the absence of devoted thespians Vin Diesel and Ja Rule is offset by Walker’s numerous permutations of the word bro. Throw in some ride-or-die chicks—Eva Mendes as a conflicted police officer and Devon Aoki as the hottest thing to get behind the wheel since Daisy Duke—and it’s almost enough to make up for the first one. Almost.
Things pick up with our embittered hero from the numberless original, ex-LAPD officer Brian O’Connor (Paul Walker), now languishing in Miami and trying to squeeze out a living by racing cars in showdowns organized by some guy who looks like Ludacris with an afro (Ludacris). But soon one of his races is busted by the fuzz, and O’Connor is blackmailed into working some undercover—but only under the condition that he be partnered with childhoodrat friend Roman Pearce (Tyrese). From here, the plot moves along as if torn from the pages of a Grand Theft Auto instructions booklet, as we’re treated to an assortment of improbable training missions designed to prepare the duo for a big-time drug-money exchange. But 2’s simple story makes sure that after any five-minute stretch of dialogue, we’re returned to the comfort of downshifting, nitrous-boosting automotive action. (Which, on the big screen, is almost 2 intense, 2 nauseating!) Tyrese does a surprising job with what he’s given (i.e., store-bought cocky, urban ex-con role), and the absence of devoted thespians Vin Diesel and Ja Rule is offset by Walker’s numerous permutations of the word bro. Throw in some ride-or-die chicks—Eva Mendes as a conflicted police officer and Devon Aoki as the hottest thing to get behind the wheel since Daisy Duke—and it’s almost enough to make up for the first one. Almost.