Rating: 3.25 of 5  

I wasn’t a huge fan of the Fast and Furious or 2 Fast 2 Furious. I didn’t even bother to see the two after that. The first was actually pretty decent, but car chases aren’t as much fun for me as hand to hand combat scenes. The best I can say about this one, is that it is at least as good as the first one. And maybe a little bit more fun.

I think, in part, the fun comes from great music which created a playful sort of energy despite how serious the movie was. Also, it isn’t just car chases, the stunts are insanely cool. It’s a little bit smart, even though it’s also kind of predictable. And it looks so good. It isn’t as gritty as the first one, it’s flashy.

Most of all, it isn’t pretending to be anything it’s not. This isn’t the most brilliant movie you’ve ever seen. The performances aren’t Oscar worthy and the plot not earth shattering. But the things it’s trying to do, it does well. It’s got great action and great music and fun characters so it’s exciting and interesting and fun.

I was surprised at the emotional moments in it, not that they were particularly deep, but there was some decent character resonance within all the action. Also, Paul Walker may not be a brilliant actor, but he looks good holding a gun and throwing a punch.

It’s shiny and fast and pretty which is how I like it.

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