2 Fast 2 Furious: Does Anyone Wear Any Seatbelts?

‍

Miami, Cars, and Bros

2 Fast 2 Furious is the sequel to the 2001 sleeper hit The Fast and the Furious, which introduced audiences to Los Angeles’ import car drag racing scene. Paul Walker returns as Brian O’Connor, the ex-L.A.P.D. officer now on the run, while Vin Diesel declined to reprise his role, leaving the sequel in the capable hands of director John Singleton, fresh off Shaft (2000).

If you’re looking for realism, look elsewhere. The cars perform insane stunts at breakneck speeds, somehow never flipping or damaging themselves in spite of physics. Acting is wooden, the script is thin, and the plot is formulaic—resembling a Miami Vice or Baywatch episode more than a serious film. But when it comes to fast cars, stylish characters, and unmistakable Miamisms, the movie delivers plenty.

Racing Into Miami

After fleeing Los Angeles, Brian heads to Miami, entering the city’s drag racing scene. The film’s opening street race features Tej (Ludacris) organizing competitors Slap Jack (Michael Ealy), Orange Julius (Amaury Nolasco), and Suki. Brian arrives in his newly souped-up Nissan Skyline, taking on the race with spectacular stunts, including a tilted-bridge jump over the Miami River. The race combines high-energy action with iconic Miami locales, including downtown streets and Brickell.

The Miami Underworld

Special Customs agent Markham (James Remar) recruits Brian to help bring down Carter Verone, a flamboyant Argentinean drug lord. Brian reunites with old friend Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson) and teams up with undercover agent Monica Fuentes (Eva Mendes). The trio faces a series of thrilling, over-the-top missions, including car swaps, high-speed chases, and daring escapes—all unfolding against a South Florida backdrop from South Beach to the Keys.

Cars, Women, Style… And No Seatbelts

The film is big on adrenaline, cars, and style, but small on logic. Tyrese Gibson’s Roman provides much of the humor and charm, while Paul Walker’s Brian serves as the perpetual “bro” hero. The two share a heartfelt bromance that almost outshines the fleeting chemistry with Eva Mendes’ character. Costume choices are questionable—Walker spends half the movie in shorts and Converse—but apparently that’s enough to impress Miami’s hottest undercover agent. And yes: despite the extreme speeds, high jumps, and collisions, not a single seatbelt is consistently worn.

Miami on Display

Filmed largely on location, the movie showcases Miami’s streets, landmarks, and culture. Viewers spot references to Little Haiti, Versailles Restaurant, and several downtown streets. Though some geography is off—the jump scene likely features the North Miami Avenue Bridge rather than the implied bridge, and I-95 shots are actually West Miami-Dade highways—the city still feels alive and integral to the story.

Fast, Furious, and Fun

2 Fast 2 Furious doesn’t take itself seriously and it shouldn’t. Logic and realism are sacrificed for excitement, exotic cars, and Miami flair. If you want a Saturday night thrill ride with street racing, explosions, and unforgettable bromance energy, this sequel delivers exactly that.

‍

Editor’s Note: Originally published on May 16, 2009, this review was updated in 2026 for clarity and formatting while preserving Mario’s original voice and perspective on Miami culture.

‍