Least expressive actor since Keanu Reeves

If anything, the plot, the script and the somewhat wooden acting all get in the way of the film's biggest attraction - its action scenes.

Paul Walker, who plays undercover cop Brian O'Conner, wins the Keanu Reeves award for being one of the least expressive actors to ever appear on celluloid.

Walker, whose previous credits include teen films The Skulls, Varsity Blues and She's All That, tries to portray a deep, brooding undercover cop whose loyalties are torn.

Instead he comes across as a dimwitted bore who couldn't act his way out of a paper bag.

One would hope the acting skills of Vin Diesel (Dominic) - who has featured in Saving Private Ryan, Boiler Room and Pitch Black - and Michelle Rodriguez (Letty), the star of last year's Girlfight, may have redeemed the film.

Gripping

Sadly not. And O'Conner's love interest, Mia, played by Jordana Brewster, is not much better.

However, one feature of this film that does deserve praise, apart from the gripping race scenes (of which there are too few) is its examination of US youth culture.

Hip hop fuels the teenage appeal

It is a fascinating time capsule of sub-cultures within a sub-culture: the way each character dresses, the music they listen to and, of course, the cars they drive (or motorcycles they ride) reflect either the gang or ethnic group they identify or hang out with.

This is the key to the film's appeal for teenagers.

Authentic

The music is another clincher. Hip-hop artist Ja Rule, who appears in the film, has crafted a soundtrack that stands alone, and has you humming as you leave the cinema.

And the film-makers, to give them their due, have done their research.

To make the cars, and the constant discussion of them, seem authentic, the producers called in experienced technical consultants who have worked for Indy car racing teams, and it shows.

I am no expert, but I was impressed by the detail that went into replicating the cars driven by the street racers (especially the muscly old Dodge Charger during the finale).

The niche appeal of this film means it will not be a roaring success, but car aficionados will certainly love it.

The Fast and the Furious is on general release from 14 September