IF LOYALTIES MUST BE BROKEN, IF THE LINES MUST BE CROSSED, DO IT FAST, DO IT FURIOUS.

LAPD undercover cop Brian O’Connor (Paul Walker) begins to sympathize with the man he’s about to bust (Vin Diesel), a gangster involved in street racing and highway robberies.

You know the concept from Point Break (1991) – in this version, fast cars have replaced the surfboards. The best thing about this movie, which was inspired by a Vibe magazine article, is the spectacular stunt work, including a thrilling freeway chase near the ending.

Walker is likable, Diesel’s charismatic bad guy is granted a well-written background and the movie was a hit. But we’re entitled to expect more from the latest multiplex offer. 

2001-U.S. 107 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Rob Cohen. Screenplay: Gary Scott Thompson, Erik Bergquist, David Ayer. Cast: Paul Walker (Brian O’Connor), Vin Diesel (Dominic Toretto), Michelle Rodriguez (Letty), Jordana Brewster, Rick Yune, Chad Lindberg… Ja Rule. 

Trivia: Eminem, Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale were considered for the role of Brian; Natalie Portman and Kirsten Dunst as Mia. Followed by nine sequels, starting with 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), and a spin-off, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019).