Film Review: Transporter 3 (2008)

The third instalment of the is often regarded as the point at which the film series begins its undeniable decline. However, one way to avoid this downward trajectory is to ensure that the earlier films are not particularly noteworthy in their own right. This, to a degree, happened with Transporter 3, 2008 action film directed by Olivier Megaton, the third part of The Transporter series.

Despite their shortcomings, the first two films in the franchise achieved considerable commercial success, largely due to the magnetic presence of Jason Statha, a charismatic British actor, who has become almost synonymous with action cinema. In Transporter 3, he reprises his role as Frank Martin, a former SAS soldier who leads a comfortable life on the French Riviera by transporting dubious "packages" for various clients without bothering with their backgrounds or motives. The plot kicks off when Frank declines an offer from Jonas Johnson (played by Robert Knepper), an official from Ecocorp—a powerful company with a penchant for toxic waste and more nefarious dealings. Following the death of his friend Malcolm Malville (David Atrakchi), who had accepted a the same job, Frank finds himself coerced into taking a "package" that turns out to be Valentina (played by Nataliya Rudakova), the daughter of Leonid Tomilenko (played by Jeroen Krabbé), a Ukrainian minister obstructing Ecocorp's plans. To ensure compliance, Johnson has rigged both Frank and Valentina with explosive devices that will detonate if they stray too far from their car.

The script by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen opts for a straightforward story that serves primarily as a vehicle for action sequences rather than an intricate plot. This simplicity allows director Olivier Megaton to showcase numerous spectacular set pieces as Frank travels from point A to point B.

One notable innovation in Transporter 3—partially inspired by the lesser-known 1991 futuristic action comedy Wedlock—is the concept of Frank being tethered to his car due to explosives. This premise could have been an excellent opportunity for dark humour; however, Besson and Kamen fail to capitalise on this potential, missing out on a chance to infuse the film with wit.

Olivier Megaton's background in music videos is evident throughout Transporter 3, and unfortunately, this translates into a style that often prioritises flashy visuals over coherent storytelling. While some action scenes are executed effectively, many are over-edited and chaotic, leaving audiences struggling to follow how Frank escapes various predicaments. The moments where Statham showcases his martial arts prowess—choreographed by Corey Yuen—are significantly more engaging, yet these instances are too few and far between. The film's aesthetic also suffers from its predominantly dreary Eastern European settings, which lack the picturesque allure of the French Riviera or Miami featured in its predecessors.

One of the more interesting aspects of Transporter 3 is the performance of Natalya Rudakova, a Russia-born hairdresser whom producer Luc Besson accidentally discovered in New York City and had take acting lessons in the hopes of turning her into a major female action star. Her portrayal of Valentina—a damsel in distress who uses her predicament as an excuse for indulgence in drugs, alcohol and sex—offers a refreshing twist on typical character tropes. Despite her relative inexperience, she manages to elevate the film above mediocrity with her unconventional beauty and presence. In contrast, Robert Knepper's portrayal of Johnson comes across as one-dimensional and lacks depth. Unfortunately, despite her commendable efforts, Rudakova's performance was insufficient to elevate the film or propel her career forward.

Although Transporter 3 enjoyed significant box office success—grossing over $108 million worldwide—critical reception was largely unfavourable. Many reviewers noted that while the film provided mindless entertainment, it failed to deliver anything substantial or memorable compared to its predecessors. Not wanting to take any risks, Besson chose not to pursue further sequels immediately following this instalment; instead, he hinted at Frank Martin's retirement at the film's conclusion. Nevertheless, the franchise was rebooted twice: first as a television series starring Chris Vance in 2012 and later as Transporter Refueled, featuring Ed Skrein in 2015.

RATING: 4/10 (+)

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