Several years ago I caught Taxi on telly. The very next day I went out and bought 1, 2 & 3 on DVD, where they've spent the last few years gathering dust on my shelf.
After sitting through Taxi 2 I'm kicking myself I hadn't seen it earlier. While not as slick as the original, this has touches of 80's action classics whilst still retaining it's "French'ness" (Rumour, Racism, Peugeots, Eiffel Tower, Racism).
The car chases are slick as a lubed-up squid in an oil barrel. The relationship between useless cop Emilien and taxi driver Daniel is funny. Their dialogue is fast paced and punchy as ever.
Marion Cotillard is unbelievably fresh faced and charming as Daniel's squeeze and the returning characters from the first outing are equally dependable for shits n' giggles.
I feel a little sorry for Emilien's other half, Petra (played by Emma Sjöberg). Such a tough and independent character is reduced to a damsel in distress. It appears the French can't handle strong, female leads in an action comedy.
Honestly. This pisses all over the Rush Hours series which tries equallu hard to spin the knackered plates of action, comedy, borderline racism and hardcore ninja-type shit.
At only 80'odd minutes, I had trouble working out when the film had actually started. The pacing is whippet-quick and by the time there was half hour to go I had only just adjusted and re-aquianted myself with the leads and supporting cast.
A cracking film with hints of Lethal Weapon & Beverly Hills Cop by way of Smokey & The Bandit and Cannonball Run.
Can't wait to watch 3... may have to run out tomorrow and purchase 4 to complete my set.