Considering
the youth of today are more immersed in video games than in Shakespeare or
geometry, a film like 2 Fast 2 Furious is designed solely to satiate the
most joystick-hungry teenager. Those who have never been to an arcade may still
enjoy the flick, car aficionados in particular should be entertained plenty, but
overall, it was made to play for a younger audience. Glorifying everything from
drag-racing to theft, this sequel to 2001’s The Fast and the Furious
lives up to the standards set by most sequels. In regards to this series, it
means longer races and stunts twice as daring.
In comparison to the original, 2 Fast 2 Furious is a different film.
There may be many stylistic similarities between the two, but mood-wise, they
are complete opposites. The first one was like an updated version of Point
Break, focusing on story development more than action. It had a serious
tone. This new installment is concerned only with entertaining the audience.
Writers Derek Haas and Michael Brandt do have a story penned into their
screenplay, but it seems as though director John Singleton preferred actor
improvisation to plot.
Paul Walker reprises the role of Brian O’Conner, the now
former LAPD-officer who has been earning money by drag-races in the open strips
of Miami. When the ex-cop is forced to go undercover and help the FBI capture a
drug-dealing/money-laundering criminal (Cole Hauser), he has no choice but to
take the assignment. Partnering with his childhood friend turned convict, Roman
Pearce (Tyrese), the two friends need to gain the trust of their target and join
his gang.
As handled by
Singleton, the film is an all-out-nonstop entertainment ride. From the
drivers’ nitrous oxide laced engines to Tyrese and Walker’s endless banter
to the hundreds of bikini-sporting women, I had a good time throughout. Vin
Diesel was missed, but his character had no place in the comic-natured sequel.
To carry a comedic sequel, the casting requires someone with the ability to make
audiences laugh. Tyrese is that and more. He’s funny and tough and a damn fine
actor. Singleton must have realized that after casting the singer turned actor
as the lead in Baby Boy.
Another beneficial substitution is swapping rapper Ja Rule, who had a small role
in the original, with rapper Ludacris. While both MC’s should stick to writing
rhymes, for what it’s worth, Ludacris has the upper-hand when it comes to
acting.
Anyone who knows anything about this movie knows
the main reason to see it is for its jaw-dropping car stunts. And since sequels
exist mainly to up the ante, it is obvious 2 Fast 2 Furious has some
jaw-dropping car stunts. Singleton knows how to direct car chases, as he proved
with Shaft, and the chases here are some of the most jolting put
on-screen. If
you're expecting anything more than than, then good luck. -Shaun Sages
GRADE: B-
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-Copyright 2003 by Shaun
Sages