The Transporter Movie Review:


There is a need for a new action star to emerge from the woodwork. Some have their hopes and dreams pinned on a Vin Diesel or even Ben Affleck or Jet Li. I personally like the potential of British import Jason Statham of “Snatch” fame.

In “The Transporter”, Statham plays Frank Martin, a mystery man who aids criminals in their deliveries. Martin has strict rules that have gotten him through the most heinous of contracts. Martin is a strict professional who lives by his prearranged code.

Martin is asked to deliver a duffle bag to a ruthless man (Matt Schulze of “Fast & the Furious”). When Martin discovers the package is an innocent girl named Lai (Shu Qi) the real fun begins.

“The Transporter” is written by Luc Besson (director of “Fifth Element”) and Robert Mark Kamen (writer of “Gladiator” and “Lethal Weapon 3”) who collaborated together on films such as the Jet Li film, “Kiss of the Dragon”, “The Professional” and “Fifth Element”. The film begins with incredible pacing and panache. The film establishes its simple plot and springs forth on practically just the charisma of Statham alone. Statham is suave, dashing and debonair. He is what anyone who loves action pictures wants in a hero.

I really liked the chess-style conversations between Martin and the French Inspector. They reminded me some of the “Saint” and “To Catch a Thief”. Both were old classic TV shows that I loved. I can’t say that I was impressed with Shu Qi or Ric Young. Qi is very attractive but she seemed to be more of a prize than anything else.

“The Transporter” runs into problems when the film loses the plot and it becomes a sort of ping-pong match between hero and villain. There is an attempt at trying to deliver a more complicated plot but the film should have stuck with the basics.

I loved some of the insane stunts that are pulled off in this flick. The opening car chase scene is utterly brilliant. I liked the film as an action showcase but that is about all.

If you have seen a lot of Jean Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren or Michael Dudikoff movies like me then you will like this movie to a point. Even lovers of Van Damme movies will admit that they don’t watch those flicks for cerebral enlightenment but for an adrenaline escape. If you can enjoy a Van Damme flick then you will enjoy this film.

I think given the right kind of project, Statham could establish himself as an interesting entry in the action star marketplace. I find him a lot more relatable and real on-screen than say Vin Diesel.

(3.5 of 5)

So Says the Soothsayer

Dean Kish

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