THE FAST and the Furious was one of those great movies that took cinema-goers by surprise. It wasn't really about anything but was packed with fantastic car races and chase scenes that left you breathless.

It's follow-up, 2 Fast 2 Furious, has a bigger budget and the benefit of knowing what viewers loved about the first movie, so it can only be better, right?

I'm afraid not. Showy special effects and silly stunts have replaced good old great driving. And whereas the last movie had a great supporting cast, featuring the likes of Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez, this move features a cast who frequently seem unable to deliver their lines. One of the worst offenders is model-turned actress Devon Aoki who, along with Eva Mendes - whose character has a strange fondness for slowing her bra - seems to have been stuck in the film just to look good.

And the cast aren't helped by a lame script in which all the characters seem to speak in clichs.

That's not to say 2 Fast 2 Furious hasn't got a lot going for it. It's still more exciting and action-packed than the average Hollywood blockbuster. And Paul Walker, who stars as ex-cop Brian, is as charismatic as ever.

Almost as integral to the movie as the cars is the buddy story between Brian and his old friend Roman, who thinks he has betrayed him. Interestingly - given that this movie is basically for big kids who used to like playing with toy cars - the pairs relationship has more in common with boys squabbling in a playground than adults settling their differences.

While some viewers might find this charming, others may feel that it adds to the sense that this movie lacks depth, which, of course, it does.

But gripes aside, this is set to be one of the great action movies, with some exhilarating set pieces, of the summer and even if it is a bit cheesy, you're sure to leave the cinema with a smile on your face.

Rating: 6/10