In case you (like most law-abiding citizens) didn't know, a transporter is the guy who not only acts as a high-priced delivery service for such savory folk as mobsters, but also occasionally lands gigs driving the getaway car from the scene of the crime. From the opening scene where he is doing just that, our transporter, Frank Martin, is clearly the best in the business. A series of improbable car stunts and narrow escapes during the getaway chase establishes the general fast pacing of this movie and the slick professionalism of our "hero". And guys, his Beemer almost has enough gadgets to qualify as a 007 model.

This transporter made the fatal error of breaking one of his own rules when a mobster hired him to deliver a package: Never Look Inside. Sure enough, he discovered a conscience within himself. From that point on, his fate was set against the powerful underground smuggling cartel dealing in human cargo.

The chase scenes, fight scenes, and general action that ensues throughout the film are interspersed with just enough plot twist to keep it interesting and just enough humanity to keep it grounded without becoming maudlin. This is a somewhat toned-down version of a James Bond-like fantasy, set in the beautiful rural countryside of France and riddled with bullets and explosions that take out cars and buildings instead of entire islands. Of course, there is the obligatory gorgeous female who can't keep her hands off of Martin. Great for the testosterone and the estrogen all at once.

In the end, the Transporter did its job: I had fun without rolling my eyes once.
-Andrea, aka Merribelle


The Quiet Man   November 15, 2003
 34 out of 44 found this review helpful

If the world were a different kind of place, Jason Statham would be a huge star. But as it is, despite strong showings in this film and in "The Italian Job," he's not.
Actually, Statham has all the right stuff: he's athletic, intelligent,sexy, honest (to a point)and physically imposing for a short guy. You know the kind of guy you'd share a bottle of Tequila with, let your sister go out with, have beside you when you go to beat up your brother-in-law or drive your Mom to the mall. He's a guy's guy and a woman's guy. He harkens back to the Gables, Stewarts, Fonda's of the world. He's the strong/silent type with extras. I'd really like to see him as a romantic lead, maybe in a film with Drew Barrymore or Jude Law.
This film is nothing new plot wise but it's done with style and grace and the scene of Statham and a bunch of bad guys and a drum full of motor oil is a classic.
If there is any justice in this world, Statham will be the next James Bond. But being that there isn't much, let's hope he has a long, brilliant career instead.


Rules are made to be broken   March 31, 2008
 24 out of 24 found this review helpful

Transporter DVD

Transporter is a high action movies involving an ex-Special forces soldier who earns his living transporting "packages" for various clients, mostly shady. In this movie, the transporter ( Jason Stratham )violates his own rules ( he's real big on rules ) and looks inside the package, doesn't like what he sees and doesn't complete the delivery. Bad idea, now the client is after him, along with the police. The movie is set in the French countryside so if you don't enjoy the thrill-a-minute action, just enjoy the view.

Highly recommended for fans of Jason Stratham , James Bond movies, and high action movies, especially car chases.

Gunner March, 2008





Should have been better...   November 12, 2004
 22 out of 23 found this review helpful

What we have here is the perfect reason why the Hollywood action genre is bankrupt.

This movie starts *perfectly*. The hero is cool, but somehow human. The stunts, SFX, and action sequences that start the film are picture perfect. In the first fourty minutes I'm thinking: this could be the overlooked action gem you tell your friends about.

And then the wheels start to come off. The setup is perfect and the early scenes with the girl are well done. The action sequence in which the hero turns out to be a kick-ass fighting machine feel right because it's all driven by the story.

And then he gets her back to the house and all the logic drains from the film. The action follows the familiar action sequence (how BAD the bad guy is; the big chase; the bigger set-piece fight; the final showdown; the heart warming ending: I miss anything?) The back half of this film wastes the promising start. I managed to watch it without hurling the remote at the screen strictly due to Jason Stratham's screen presence. He's a star to watch (how come Vinny is a big star and this guy isn't??)

So... I was disappointed, but I still liked it. Good for a rental or a rainy weekend.


At the top of the class!   April 27, 2003
 20 out of 23 found this review helpful

Not usually a fan of violent films, I happened on this movie as a desperate attempt to be entertained. And what a happy jolt it was to discover probably one on the best action movies ever made. Though slight on story, THE TRANSPORTER is creatively choreographed in its fight scenes, contains one of the best car chases ever filmed (aided with the splendid background of Nice, France), and gives full reign to the VERY fine Jason Statham - an actor with enough charisma, looks, and acting ability to put him in the lineup with the best of the usual suspects for these genre films. His controlled, exacting presence as a hired 'transporter' of questionable 'goods' is bolstered by what appears to be his own participation in the beautifully choreographed, though implausible, fight sequences. Francois Berleand is also fine as a crusty, wise French detective. The remainder of the cast is only adequate, but it matters little with the power of the presence of Jason Statham and the direction of Corey Yuen. Not deep, not thought-provoking, but a very worthwhile diversionary evening!