Judy Thorburn's Movie Reviews
2 Fast 2 Furious
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- Category: Judy Thorburn
- Published on 06 November 2008
- Written by Administrator
Judy Thorburn
"2 Fast 2 Furious" - Is Not Up To Speed
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“2 FAST 2 FURIOUS” IS NOT UP TO SPEED
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It is no wonder Vin Diessel didn’t return for seconds. The original surprise hit of summer 200l, Fast and The Furious was the movie that helped launch him into superstardom. But, now that he has ventured into that realm, he doesn’t need to step back. Been there, done that, he must have thought, and for good reason. This follow up to the Fast and the Furious would not have been a wise career move.
Not having seen the first, I can only judge this film on its own merit or lack of, in this case. What can I say. It offers a tremendous amount of loud noise, be it screeches, va-rooms, rumbles, and crashes from the true stars of the movie – the incredibly fast and furious cars. Whatever unoriginal storyline or plot there is actually acts as filler whenever there isn’t a chance to rev up the engines and watch the unbelievable car races through the streets or highways of Miami. Let’s be real. Does the story really matter? The filmmakers know what demographics they want to reach, and this flick makes every effort to deliver it in your face at a high pitched level. Throw in a representative of every ethnicity and they’ve got their potential audience covered.
Returning from the first film is Paul Walker as disgraced L A. cop Brian O’Connor who is now living in Miami and earning a living as a street racer, nicknamed “Bullitt” (as in Steve McQueen’s title character known for his famous “car race” film scene from the 70’s). When Brian gets pulled over for illegal racing he is offered the chance to have the charges dropped if he would go undercover to help nab drug lord Carter Verone (Cole Hauser) who is using his import/export business as a cover-up for his money laundering cartel. Bringing along former childhood buddy and ex-con Roman Pearce (actor/model Tyrese), another accomplished “speed freak driver”, with the same offer of clearing his record, and with additional inside help from undercover customs agent, Monica Fuentes (Eva Mendes) they set out to do what the Feds have been unable to do - bring the bad guy down.
That’s pretty much the storyline. There isn’t anything we haven’t seen before. But, twenty something audiences of both sexes who can’t get enough of MTV sexy videos, will enjoy the human eye candy, be it the hard chiseled muscular physique of Tyrese, the blond good looks of Paul Walker, or the many bikini clad or bare midriff bodies parading on screen. It’s not like these lead stars were chosen for their acting ability, although Tyrese has the potential for evoking more than angst or sarcasm with a dose of screen charisma thrown in. But, the two females, sultry dark haired Mendes is especially wooden and Asian model/actress wannabee, Devon Aoki as the chick car racer, is nothing more than pure window dressing with a cocky attitude. As for Cole Hauser, (who bares a striking resemblance to a young Paul Newman, and was recently named one of the film industry’s up and coming talent at the Young Hollywood Awards)- what is HE doing in this movie? He has proven he can act in previous films such as last years White Oleander, but is just smarmy here. If Cole is smart, he will leave this one off his resume. Be that as it may, trite dialogue, and bad acting aside, 2 Fast and 2 Furious may draw the audience from the original who want another fix of adrenalin rushes.
Director John Singleton (Boyz N the Hood) concentrates on the pumped up cars and what they can do, working them to the hilt. Remember, the name of the movie is 2 Fast and 2 Furious, and the ear piercing, incredible stunt filled racing sequences are what the movie is all about. Too bad it doesn’t offer any more than that.
I don’t think I can stomach a third follow-up. As far as I am concerned, this Diesel-less vehicle is just running on empty!