Frank Martin (Jason Statham) is an ex-military man who currently makes a living transporting goods for less-than-reputable people, no questions asked. He lives by three rules: No deal can be changed once it’s settled; no names are to be used; and never look in the package. During one mission, he discovers that the package — a large duffle bag — is moving. Frank breaks his own rule, looks inside, and finds a young woman (Shu Qi). By breaking his own rule, Frank soon finds himself in the middle of a smuggling plot that threatens to disrupt his quiet life of crime.
The Transporter was directed in 2002 by Corey Yuen, who has also helmed films like the Jean-Claude Van Damme vehicle, No Retreat, No Surrender and 2006’s DOA: Dead or Alive. In other words, action is his forte. The Transporter is basically nothing but action. Kicking off with a high-octane car chase, the movie rarely slows down until the credits roll. However, from the onset it’s apparent that a complete suspension of disbelief will be required to enjoy the film. Otherwise, you’d drive yourself insane nitpicking the inconsistencies and impossibilities present here. Case in point, one scene shows Frank parachuting from a small plane onto a moving semi truck from what appears to be a height of approximately 200 feet.
Jason Statham, who has recently been starring in three or four films a year, hadn’t really established himself as an action star when The Transporter was released. In fact, it was this film, along with 2003’s The Italian Job, that catapulted him into the consciousness of many action film fans. Doing most of his own stunts, Statham’s on-screen presence is electrifying. It’s just too bad that the film’s many plot holes and eye-roll inducing action sequences keep the film at that kind of direct-to-video level of accomplishment that any number of Steven Seagal and Dolph Lundgren films would be happy to achieve.
Be that as it may, The Transporter doesn’t aspire to be great cinema and never takes itself too seriously. If you’re looking for an amphetamine-fueled, good-for-a-laugh action flick, then The Transporter will definitely fill the bill.
3.0 out of 5.0 stars
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