Sort By: By Genre  |  By Rating  |  By Year

The Transporter

Starring: Jason Statham
Director: Louis Leterrier, Corey Yuen
Genre: Action
Year: 2002
Rating: 1 / 5

No one should ever go into a movie like The Transporter with high expectations, as they will invariably be dashed. It is important to maintain the proper perspective, as this sort of film is pure eye candy, complete with the requisite high speed chases and explosions inherent with the genre. That being said, it is not asking too much to expect an entertaining diversion. Unfortunately, aside from a high-powered opening sequence – similar to the opening montages in most James Bond films - The Transporter comes up rather short. Despite a hero that may eventually make a name for himself, this film drowns under the weight of an unexciting plot, drab supporting players, and an over-the-top villain.

Frank Martin (Jason Statham) is a “transporter,” someone who takes undisclosed cargo from one point to another. He does not care about the contents of his deliverables, only the schedule he must keep and the money he is to receive. He has established rules for himself, rules which please his clients and keep him alive. When Frank decides to stray from his own rules and more closely examine one particular package – a bound woman name Lai Kwai (Qi Shu) – trouble ensues. Soon, he finds himself on the run from an underworld syndicate, with his home besieged and his life threatened. Alas, these criminals do not realize who Frank Martin is…

Jason Statham is – and I cannot believe I am saying this! – perfect for this role. The Transporter is a B-grade action film, the ideal vehicle for an up-and-coming action star looking to establish himself. This is the type of role Mark Wahlberg took often towards the end of the last century, starring in films like The Big Hit and The Corruptor. To Statham’s great misfortune, this film pales even next to their rather dim glow. At the very least Statham can hope that his starring turn in The Transporter makes some people forget Ghosts of Mars. Good career advice would be to convince Statham to return to the offbeat world of Guy Ritchie, the man who first gave him a shot in Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.

The Transporter is not an epically bad film, just a bad one. The film hooks the viewer right away with the getaway scene involving Statham’s Frank Martin. We see Martin keep his cool with the police swarming around, we see his adherence to rules even under pressure, and, most importantly, we see him evade the law with some fancy driving. From that point, however, the film careens downhill. We never see Martin showcase his driving prowess again, and we begin to see the limits of reason tested as Martin single-handedly tackles a couple dozen assailants – at one time! The Transporter was not produced to set the world afire, but is asking for a few thrills too much?

Cast:

Certification: Rated PG-13 for violence.
Running Time: 92 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
Comments: Send E-mail