Like most sequels, 2 Fast 2 Furious is a film that subscribes to the old adage that more is more.  The movie has more action, more speed, more violence, more cheesiness, more hot women, and even more underlying homoeroticism than its predecessor.  For this first follow-up to 2001's The Fast and the Furious, director Rob Cohen and star Vin Diesel jumped ship, replaced by John Singleton and Tyrese Gibson, respectively.  Such a big behind the scenes shake-up should have resulted in a film that pales in comparison to the original, but 2 Fast 2 Furious is actually the rare sequel that surpasses the previous movie.

Having been kicked off the police force after the events in the first film, Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) heads to Miami and integrates himself into the world of street racing.  It's not long before he's picked up by US Customs agents who, obviously having read the book of movie clichés, ask Brian to go undercover one last time.  O'Conner recruits his childhood friend Roman Pierce (Tyrese Gibson) to help him with the mission, which involves working as a street racer for a sleazy drug lord.

2 Fast 2 Furious is perhaps even more ridiculous and outlandish than the first film, but it's also stylish, entertaining and jam-packed with action.  I certainly can't recommend it for its story or meaningful subtext, but it is successful at being dumb, loud, popcorn-y fun.  Anyone looking for something deeper in a movie called 2 Fast 2 Furious simply has misplaced expectations.

Moving the location from Los Angeles to Miami in the sequel makes for a nice change of pace, and of course the director shows off plenty of toned bodies in bathing suits.  Not only is the film bright and visually appealing, but the stunt work is fairly phenomenal.  Singleton keeps some of the same CGI tricks from the first film, but he also allows for plenty of practical stunts involving speeding cars and mind-blowing crashes.

2 Fast 2 Furious doesn't set out to stimulate the deeper parts of your brain.  All the movie wants to do is show pretty people driving gorgeous vehicles at very fast speeds.  It may be as dumb as a box of hair, but it sure is a lot of fun to watch.


- Don Williams, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image courtesy of Universal)