Review: 2 Fast 2 Furious

#74 - 2 Fast 2 Furious


2 Fast 2 Furious is the sequel to The Fast and the Furious. It is set in Miami only a year or so after Brian's run-in with the law and Dominic Toretto. Brian has found himself roped into another job with the feds, only this time the stakes are higher. He has to prove to a dangerous dealer, Carter Verone, that he's the right man for the job - and that his partner in crime, Roman Pearce, isn't going to ruin the whole deal. Brian and Roman find out just how deep they're in when Carter discovers that his girlfriend of 11 months, Monica, is really a US Customs Agent, and that Brian and Roman are working with her. Doing what Brian does best, he races his car to the rescue and saves the day...but not without keeping some of Carter's money for himself ;)

This movie is way different from the original film. Aside from it taking place on the opposite side of the country, it involves all new characters - with the only two exceptions being Brian and Agent Bilkins. Toretto and his team are nowhere to be found in this movie. I love Vin Diesel and Paul Walker's on-screen chemistry, but 2 Fast 2 Furious is my absolute favorite out of the entire franchise. The chemistry between Paul Walker and Tyrese blows Diesel and Walker out of the water. Tyrese is a hilarious man. When they decided to bring him back for Fast Five, I was thrilled. He adds comedy to a movie that needs it. Where the original film lacked, this one makes up for it. It has the action and the laughs.

Two of the major new characters I mentioned before are Roman Pearce and Tej. Tyrese and Ludacris bring a fresh new aspect to the Fast and Furious films. The original film is very much focused on being serious - with fast cars, beautiful women, and a plot that involves some deep stuff. 2 Fast 2 Furious does have its serious moments, but overall, I think it captures the fun atmosphere of Miami. Racing cars is a blast, and I believe this film really portrays that. Even though it's not exactly linked to the original film...or any of the films, for that matter...I think it introduces Roman and Tej to the franchise in a way that gets the audience to immediately like them. That way, when they are both brought back in the future films, the audience can identify with them and then take the journey through the movie on their side.

The ONLY thing I don't like about this movie is Eva Mendes. I think she's an awful actress with no talent, and she basically ruins every scene she's in. Most people would consider her to be nice to look at - I do not - so she can't always rely on her looks to carry her through a scene. There are people watching the film that are actually listening to what you're saying as opposed to just staring at you, so I am not impressed, Eva. When she pops up in Fast Five, I got a little pissed too. Luckily, she was just in a stinger after the credits, so I didn't have to watch her awfulness for more than about two minutes. If they would've cast ANYONE else other than Eva Mendes, then this movie would score a 5 out of 5 from me.

Overall, 2 Fast 2 Furious scores 4 out of 5 stars.