Where are we? Part 3? Part 4? Huh?

Justin Lin who helmed the previous movie returns with previous screen writer Chris Morgan making this a decent revenge movie with fast cars.

The cast is back (however one is only here for 10 minutes) and I must say, it's almost surprising to see them back and actually somewhat improved (mainly Walker).

The driving here is good. Aside from some silly CGI in the beginning and climax, it's mostly real. The highlight is easily the 4 car race in Los Angeles in traffic.

Amir Mokri does a good job photographing the movie and Brian Tyler returns to score a good composure.

The weakness? Another bland villain. Will Johnny Tran ever be topped? Not at this rate. Also, it drags in some places. Let's just say plot is not the strength. Not to mention the "cliffhanger" is kind of lame.

Just below the first but by a hair.

First off, I can watch this without cringing. It's still below the first one (which I like) but better then the laughable part 2, however not by much.

The positives? Brian Tyler's score, Japan being the back drop, the racing (not a lot of CGI and the drifting is impressive), the cute love interest (played by the gorgeous Nathalie Kelly), Justin Lin's direction, and of course Hans (Sung Kang). Shame he isn't the main character. Also, the soundtrack is tolerable but not by much. We even get to see Sonny Chiba as a high ranking Yakuza member.

The bad? Well, our "hero" Sean (Lucas Black) just isn't likable. He somewhat matures but he has that attitude that makes you want to punch him. Also, what kind of punishment is being sent to Japan to avoid jail time in the United States? In real life, he'd be given jail time. Period. Also, the villain is a Johnny Tran substitute. At least he does something unlike the last villain but he is quite 1 dimensional.

Overall, your mileage may vary.

Oh. This has even aged worse. Even as a junior in high school I didn't like this movie.

You'd expect John Singleton to direct something good but nope. It comes off amateurish even more then the average Rob Cohen (How'd xXx and Stealth work out for you Rob?). The CGI is even worse (Hell. Animes look more realistic), the dialogue is horrendous consisting of "Yo Dawg" or "Bro" (did the writers watch Yo Mama on MTV?), and the villain (played by the bland Cole Hauser) is an intimidating as the cranky senior citizen at your local grocery store.

The soundtrack is even worse. Paul Walker is overly giddy at times and the rest of the cast can't save this car wreck.

The good things. Umm, Miami looks good, Devon Aoki and Eva Mendes in bikinis are a plus, and James Remar showing up is nice. Tyrese keeps me amused even if he can be a bit grating.

Bad sequel.

Some things just don't age well. Don't get me wrong, it's still a watchable and enjoyable movie but it is clearly a product of 2001.

First off, the soundtrack sucks. Ranging from Ja Rule and Limp Bizkit (though I did like the use of Dope's Debonaire during the SWAT scene). 2nd, the CGI while serviceable is noticeable but isn't used a lot thank goodness. Finally, the acting ranges from wooden to yelling making it comical at times.

However, the stunts (particularly the final heist and car crashes) still hold weight. Vin Diesel gives his monotone but commanding prescence. Michelle Rodriguez starts her tough gal streak, Jordana Brewster is there for beautiful eye candy, Paul Walker gives a bland but serviceable performance, and Rick Yune plays the villain.

Who'd think this be the start of a 7 movie series? Back in high school, I didn't bank on it.

An overlooked movie when it comes to basketball on the college level. Nick Nolte (channeling Bob Knight who makes an appearance) puts in a solid performance. It's his show even when surrounded by other on screen and on court talent.

Nolte's character is somewhat sympathetic and you can see the guilt when he resorts to cheating when it comes to recruitment. Speaking of cheating, it isn't glorified or preached so it paints it in a grey area. Same for a small sub plot involving shaving points to beat a gambling spread. It still happens without restraint in real life by the way.

The other talent is serviceable. JT Walsh plays a greedy school booster who convinces the coach to resort to cheating.

William Friedkin keeps a decent pace as usual (the man's a master). Ron Shelton's script is pretty good too.

What's wrong with it? I don't know. It could be better but I don't look too critically in sports movies.

A pretty solid sports movie.