Director:
Louis Leterrier

Cast:
Jason Statham
Alessandro Gassmant
Amber Valletta
Matthew Modine

Official URL:

http://www.transporter2movie.com

Country: USA
Rating: PG-13
Studio Name: Twenieth Century Fox
Running Time: 2 hr 6 mins
Release Date: September 2, 2005

Critics's Rating:
(3 Reels out of 4) 

September 2, 2005

By Veronica Mixon

Transporter 2 is the best action movie to open this year! It doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is – heart-pounding adrenalin rush of kick-butt action and chase scenes. Frank Martin (Jason Statham) returns as an ex-Special Forces iconic figure who is a “transporter” of goods – human or otherwise – no questions asked. Frank has relocated to Miami from his Mediterranean home and as a favor he’s been driving the Billings family. The father (Matthew Modine, Any Given Sunday) is a busy American government official fighting the drug war and Frank has developed sympathy for the lonely, troubled Audrey Billings (Amber Valletta) and affection for her young son, Jack (Hunter Clary). When Jack is kidnapped by a ruthless criminal, Gianni (Alessandro Gassman), Frank feels compelled to get the boy back.

Frank is always out of step with the law and initially the FBI believe that he’s a part of the kidnap plot. While Keith David (Mr. and Mrs. Smith) chases him around Miami, his old pal French police chief Tarconi (François Berléand, The Tranporter) arrives for a visit but spends much of him time at headquarters secretly helping Frank.

From the opening scene where Frank kicks the butt of would-be car thieves to his on-going physical battle with Gianni’s henchwoman, Lola (Kate Nauta), Transporter 2 delivers thrilling action. After Frank propels his classy car from one high rise building to another, he wheels the vehicle over an alley riding the rims of adjacent structures like a railroad track. We are as amazed as the drunken derelict who can’t believe his eyes. While the kidnapping masks a more vicious plot, Frank’s expertise is nevertheless put to the test as he battles police and enemies everywhere.

Jason Statham, who has never been mentioned as a possible James Bond replacement, has certainly filled shoes of former action stars, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. I guess his working class roots show too much, despite his conservative, suave appearance, his impeccable taste in automobiles and his artful skill at defending himself. While his roles in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch and The Italian Job got him noticed, audiences simply feel in love with him when he appeared in The Transporter. While most of his roles involve his appearing as a tough guy with a wry sense of humor, the Frank Martin character has a touch of tenderness and always connects with the human package – which of course leads to trouble.

The Transporter 2 filmmakers, director Louis Leterrier (The Transporter) and producer Luc Besson have delivered an exciting, action-packed thriller that will delight audiences. Besson, who has directed such films as The Big Blue, Subway and The Fifth Element, grew frustrated when Hollywood remade his awesome film La Femme Nikta. So, he wisely started making “Hollywood” style action films, like The Professional and The Transporter series. Good for him and excellent for us!

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