THE TRANSPORTER A film review by Steve Rhodes Copyright 2002 Steve Rhodes RATING (0 TO ****): ***
Corey Yuen's THE TRANSPORTER is an efficient action flick with a sleek European flair. Jason Statham (SNATCH) plays Frank Martin. Frank is a Steven Seagal type of character who hauls cargo -- packages or people -- around in his fast BMW. Unlike Federal Express, his fees run into the tens of thousands for one delivery since his clients are card-carrying members of the criminal class.
A martial arts master who has charisma to burn, Frank is an anal retentive with a rigid set of rules, which include no deal changes, no names and no opening of the package. He is also one heck of a driver, which provides plenty of work for some very talented stuntmen. The story, written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, plays like a combination of THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS and XXX. The energetic rock soundtrack ensures that the audience stays fully engaged throughout. It's also beautifully filmed so it's an easy picture to spend time watching. The only disappointment comes from Shu Qi, an actress who frequently drains the energy from her scenes. She plays Lai, a woman whom Frank reluctantly comes to aid. Much better is Matt Schulze, from the two BLADE movies, who plays the chief bad guy who attempts to take Frank down. Hint: Put your money on Frank to win.
There are few memorable moments, but THE TRANSPORTER provides topnotch escapist entertainment.
THE TRANSPORTER runs 1:33. It is rated PG-13 for "violent sequences and some sensuality" and would be acceptable for kids around 12 and up.
My son Jeffrey, age 13, gave it *** 1/2, saying that he thoughts the action was terrific, the escapes were cool and the lead actor was good. He said that the main character was like James Bond crossed with Jean-Claude Van Damme.
The film is playing now in nationwide release in the United States. In the Silicon Valley it is showing at the Camera Cinemas, the AMC theaters and the Century theaters.
Web: http://www.InternetReviews.com Email: Steve.Rhodes@InternetReviews.com
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