The Transporter (2002)

The Transporter Movie Review from The Massie Twins

The Transporter tries to be a thrilling James Bond-like adventure, but ultimately turns out to be prime material for an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Unrealistic, but more importantly poorly constructed, this gauche thriller only succeeds in being unintentionally hilarious - which oddly adds entertainment value the creators couldn't have planned for.

Frank (Jason Statham) only has three rules for transporting: 1. Never change the deal; 2. No names; 3. Never open the package. For the right price and proper dimensions he'll get the job done, no questions asked. And his ex-military skills ensure that his getaways are clean - and look good. Although he's not unaccustomed to breaking the law and aiding criminals, Frank has morals that betray the often iniquitous business of professional transportation.

So when Wall Street (Matt Schulze - going along with the no names policy, apparently, several of the characters are only given generic monikers in the credits) hires him to transport a package that turns out to be the bound and gagged young Asian woman Lai (Shu Qi), his mixed feelings get him involved in helping her uncover a smuggling operation run by gangsters who will stop at nothing to see him dead.

Frank is prepared for every single situation, which makes his careful pre-planning more than convenient. Scuba gear for a hasty underwater escape and the knowledge of truck routes for following enemy vehicles are the least of his uncanny abilities. Every scene is merely a setup to get from one stunt location to the next, and it doesn't take long for the viewer to realize that Frank's constant unlikely reappearances are beyond good luck. During his journey from jail to office buildings to bus yards, he's accompanied by irksome music that makes each coincidence noticeably more intentional.

The action itself is frequently amusing, with excellent choreography and riveting stunts, especially when he kicks down doors to get to baddies, fends off axe attacks, and slickly maneuvers in massive oil fights. Frank likes to lose his shirt during every other scene, volley with Shu Qi's laughable dialogue, and deflect rockets with cookie trays (a scene in the trailer that never made it to the theatrical cut). Statham's not the typical action star, but he has a certain intrigue all of his own. What he lacks is the silly and catchy one-liners that usually plague these kinds of generic action films - for which there are countless moments that they could have been aptly applied.

In the tradition of cheesy action flicks, The Transporter's car chases, martial arts and stunts are quite enjoyable; plus there's a delightfully witty show-stealing performance by police inspector Tarconi (Francois Berleand) - if only that annoying storyline didn't keep popping up. But maybe that's expected from director Corey Yuen, recognized for his martial arts choreography on X-Men and Lethal Weapon 4.

- Mike Massie


November 26, 2008

The transporter

DVD is good quality, has a glitch in the first 2 min. of play, but cleaning it helped somewhat. Otherwise great flic, and seller sent it quickly. November 23, 2008

Great Movie, Good Bluray Disc

This is a great action flick that has received a pretty good conversion for Bluray. The visuals are solid and the sound upgrade is above average. This is a definite buy if you don't already on it on DVD, and if you are a Statham fan, it's worth upgrading for. November 2, 2008

Popcorn and Candy

Look, this isn't high art. It's popcorn and candy at a Saturday afternoon matinee. In other words, it's a ton of fun. Quick, a bit witty, funny and silly. The good guys win and the bad guys lose. What's not to like? October 19, 2008

THE TRANSPORTER

this dvd has JASON STATHAM enough said
and the movie is pretty good too October 13, 2008

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