Eva Mendes has the difficult role of playing an undercover agent who has to infiltrate drug dealer Carter Verone's (Cole Hauser) organization, enabling "2 Fast 2 Furious'" heroes - Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) and Roman Pearce (Tyrese) - the opportunity to take down the bad guy.
Mendes doesn't get a chance to drive one of the hot cars in "2 Fast 2 Furious," but she admits that off-screen she's a muscle car fan. Her first car was a '66 Mustang and she readily confesses to having a lead foot.
EVA MENDES ('Monica Clemente')
Have you had a chance to see the film yet?
Yes, I saw it. I love it. The stunts are amazing.
What attracted you to this character?
I like that she was really serious and, unlike me, she knows when to shut up and she doesn't say anything that's frivolous. She only says what she needs to say. I think I need to learn that from her because I tend to just talk and talk and get myself [in trouble.]
What was the best part of making "2 Fast 2 Furious?"
John Singleton. He's just a great director. He's pretty much the reason I did it and he's such a great director.
Is this your first big premiere?
Yes, it's my first big premiere thing and I'm here with my mom. I'm just happy to have her here sometimes because it's really overwhelming and it's kind of like what do I do?
Are you nervous?
I'm not nervous. I'm just overwhelmed.

Amaury Nolasco at the World Premiere of "2 Fast 2 Furious"
Photo ©Rebecca Murray. All Rights Reserved.
AMAURY NOLASCO ('Orange Julius')
Did you have to go to driving school for "2 Fast 2 Furious?"
We did. We went for two weeks [and] it was insane. We had an amazing time just doing things that I would have loved to do here on the 405 only they won't let me. But I was disappointed because I wanted to do those things in the movie and they wouldn't let us. I was begging for them but they're like, "No, the insurance," so I've got to give it to the stunt team. I haven't seen the movie, but I guess they did an amazing job.
What did they teach you at the driving school?
Pretty much being conscious about following each other at a great speed and just doing the stunts and just insane things.
What's the most difficult thing to do?
Trying to keep your speed at a nice level instead of just going crazy.
What did you think of your car?
I love my car. I think it's the best car. I don't care about Paul's.
Did you get to take it home?
You know what? They wouldn't let me, but I've got my own at home.
And you've got "Mr. 3000" in the works?
I play one of the baseball players on Bernie [Mac's] team. I get on his nerves a lot. It's a drama comedy for Disney.
Is it like "The Rookie" meets "League of Their Own?"
Yeah, something like that. It's going to be fun. Bernie's amazing. We've got Charles Stone directing. He directed "Drumline," so it'll be fun and I'm having a great time.
Did you do any baseball training?
We actually are in baseball training. I just came in for this and I'm leaving tomorrow.
What are they teaching you?
They're doing everything. They have us in full gear, sweating like pigs, and doing things that I think I'm going to go [use] if I can get drafted next year.