‘Transporter 3’ Isn’t the Original, but Still Entertains
-----The third chapter in the ‘Transporter’ franchise, the newest film promised action and provided. After ‘Transporter 2’ left realism and story for CG effects, ‘Transporter 3’ finds a bit more of a hybrid between its two predecessors. Neither sophisticated nor trying to be, it sticks to its guns and provides quality action.
-----When Frank Martin is forced to transport the mysterious and attractive Valentina, he’ll again be called upon to turn to his wits and brawn to get out of the situation alive. Only this time, there’s a certain type of bracelet locked around his and Valentina’s wrists. Get too far away form the car and they’ll blow up. Cheap, cliché’, flat out silly, and yet the action provides enough entertainment to, well…entertain.
-----Jason Statham brings his usual presence both physical and mental to the screen. Valentina is played in an at times annoying, at times seductive way by Natalya Rudakov. Robert Knepper plays the rich bad guy named Johnson. The only other notable cast member is Frank’s franchise friend Tarconi played with his usual humorous edge by Francois Berleand. No one has much to challenge them and yet everyone does well in the context of the film just playing along with the mayhem.
-----The action is all this film really has, along with Statham, that is. Is the action fun enough to make the film worth a viewing? I think so. The cinematography is done well without trying to rely on shaky and erratic camera movements for intensity like so many modern action films feel they must. I liked a lot of the fights and car chases, and there is one particular completely ridiculous scene where Statham has to chase down his car by foot and bike. Both frenetic and awesome at the same time, there is even a nice choice of music to go with it. ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog” by The Stooges lit up the trailer and follows through with this scene, providing a certain sense of fun and urgency that really works for the film. Other than that the musical score is adequate and occasionally reminiscent of the previous two films. There is even some offbeat humor courtesy Statham and Rudakov’s odd chemistry that develops throughout the film.
-----Everyone must understand prior to seeing the movie that it is in no way the accomplishment in style and realism that the original was. However, it does unload some of the goofy and unbelievable moments frequently seen in the sequel, and even makes a slight return to the roots of the franchise. It has some flair, some suave, some style, and all of these elements combine to make the film a quality action flick. Bottom line is, if you like Statham and you like action, and are willing to sacrifice the script for them you’ll probably have a great time with ‘Transporter 3.’
