Another Look at 2 Fast 2 Furious

The second of the Fast and Furious franchise, this film was released in 2003 and after 16 years now deserves a second look. A highly profitable release -- it grossed $236 million from a $76 million budget -- it was directed by John Singleton, produced by Neal H. Moritz and written by Michael Brandt and Derek Haas. Continuity in the series is represented by the character of Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker). O'Conner is now an ex-detective living in Miami where the film takes place. Booked after winning  the an opening race, Brian is offered a way to be cleared of charges if he "cooperates" with the FBI and Customs officials who are trying to tie the noose on drug lord Carter Verone (Cole Hauser). As a partner he selects an old friend, Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson), and they infiltrate Verone's operation with the help of beautiful undercover agent Monica Fuentes (Eva Mendes).



Of course the film is filled with all kinds of action, interspersed with humor, male bonding, a bit of sex, and ridiculous action scenes. This film lacks the intensional depth found in the franchise's first film, perhaps because Dom Torretto is not around. And a number of the scenes are positively ridiculous, including the last where Brian and Roman literally fly onto the bad guy's boat as he is about to escape. Fun to watch, yes, but hardly having the element of realism that makes these films so scintillating to watch before you get into your own car, then drifting and downshifting with hopefully no pedestrians in the way!