The Transporter

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
MICHAEL ACUNA (Southern California United States)
32 out of 39 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
Gunner (Bethlehem,Georgia)
22 out of 22 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





One of the Best Action Movies of the Year!   December 11, 2002
J. Daniel (New York)
18 out of 24 found this review helpful

The great thing about The Transporter is that the action never stops. It only takes a breather for a few minutes at a time to develop the plot. The fact that it HAS a coherent plot sets it apart from most action movies I've seen recently. The one liners aren't too cheesy, the action is just enough over the top to entertain you without insulting your intelligence, and the trailer didn't give away even a fraction of the great scenes in the movie. The good guys are likable, the bad guys are detestable. The character interaction is enjoyable at all times. Jason Statham is certainly establishing himself as an action movie leading man. I hope more roles like this will follow for him. Qu Shi was beautiful as the "package"

Well the movie finally started and right away I was pleasantly surprised , I even commented to my wife as we were watching , " I'm really liking this movie". Statham plays an interesting character as an ex Special Forces type that retired on the coast of France, taking work on the side as a transporter of extremely hot illegal packages that even the criminals would not want to transport themselves. He is a no questions asked one man Federal Express type transporter of illegal goods. He is just the right person for the job too, highly experienced ex military , quick thinking , organized and effective and can't be pushed around by even his hardest core customers. Now Statham is a meticulous professional that takes pride in his work, who lives by a set of simple rules. 1) Once you agree to the contract, it does not change, 2) No names / no questions asked 3) never look in the package.

Well the story is basically what happens when he breaks rule # 3. I will leave at that for those who may not have seen the movie yet.

If you like action, this movie is a MUST SEE!


At the top of the class!   April 27, 2003
Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States)
16 out of 19 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!