Film Review: Transporter 2 (2005)
When professional film critics scrutinise a film, they often find themselves at odds with casual viewers, as the application of analytical thought can sometimes render what was once an enjoyable, solid film into an inferior one. A prime example of this phenomenon can be found in the 2005 French action film, Transporter 2, directed by Louis Letterier.
Transporter 2 is the follow-up to the successful 2002 film The Transporter, which catapulted Jason Statham to action stardom. Statham reprises his role as Frank Martin, a former British SAS soldier turned top driver who lives at French Riviera and makes money delivering delicate packages without asking questions. Plot begins with Martin being temporarily relocated to Miami, where he works as a chauffeur for the family of Senator Jefferson Billings (played by Matthew Modine). When the senator's young son Jack (played by Hunter Clary) is abducted, Frank decides to use his deadly skills to bring him back. It soon becomes apparent that the abduction is part of a larger plot by gang boss Gianni Cellini (played by Alessandro Gassman), who aims to sabotage an important anti-trafficking conference using biological weapons.
Producers Luc Besson and Steve Chasman, aware of the sequel's inevitability due to the commercial success of The Transporter, decided to try something different in second part of the series. Sadly, they decided to emulate the action formula of Michael Bay's films, particularly his 1995 hit Bad Boys. This decision resulted in a higher budget and the incorporation of more car chases, shootouts, fistfights, and extensive use of CGI that makes the action sequences look unconvincing and ridiculous. The film's visual appeal is further diminished by the use of a yellow filter to cover Miami, a technique commonly employed by Bay.
The script, written by Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, relies on generic plot points, clichés, and one-dimensional characters. Statham does his best with the limited material, carrying the film through his charisma and athletic abilities. However, the poor casting and characterization are most evident in the two major female roles, both played by former top fashion models. Amber Valletta portrays the senator's wife, who tries too hard to show her romantic interest in Frank, while Kate Nauta plays the over-the-top role of the villain's girlfriend and top assassin, who walks the streets in her underwear while firing submachine guns. In a different film, this could be interpreted as Besson's parody of the character he created in La Femme Nikita, but here it is played straight.
One positive element of the film is the return of France’s formidable character actor François Berléand as police inspector Tarconi. His character, one one hand, rather unconvincingly and too conveniently arrives from France to Miami, only to serve as some sort of continuity to previous instalment and fan service. On the other hand, his scenes are enjoyable, but they make too little impact to improve the overall impression of the film.
In the end, Transporter 2 is a disappointing sequel that, despite its flaws, managed to find success at the box office, leading to a third instalment in 2008 and a subsequent 2010s television series starring Chris Vance.
RATING: 3/10 (+)
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