2 FAST 2 FURIOUS

BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
MAY 18, 2013

Continuing with fast cars, beautiful women, and enough action to keep you entertained, “2 Fast 2 Furious” succeeds in the fact that Paul Walker returns and carries on the “Fast and the Furious” legacy. Also, the series feels new and fresh, even if it comes from several recycled storylines, by bringing in new relevant characters like Tyrese Gibson’s Roman Pearce and Ludacris’ Tej. The plot often feels like a retread of “The Transporter” plot, but with a team. However, it still focuses on the street racing, nightlife aspect popularized in the original.

Missing Vin Diesel’s roughness and chemistry with Walker, the film often feels like a brand new franchise rather than a sequel, despite allusions to Walker’s past. Eva Mendes does her best to add a strong female presence to the film, but not compare to Michelle Rodriguez or Jordana Brewster. Visually, the film stands strong, with a climactic parade of cars that rivals any set piece in the original. As long as we continue with the intense focus on relationships and delve into the world of street racing, I will be content with these films, but losing the main characters from the first film doesn’t do this film any favors.