TRANSPORTER 3

Photos courtesy of LionsgateJason Statham puts on the driving gloves one more time, this time against his own will, in the action film TRANSPORTER 3.

After initially refusing an assignment to deliver a secretive package, Frank Martin is forced into action by Johnson, a ruthless businessman who uses a tracking device to make sure Frank delivers the goods. The device, an irremovable bracelet, will detonate if Frank moves too far from his vehicle. Going along for the ride is Valentina, a mysterious co-pilot who Frank is morally obliged to bring along.

Films like TRANSPORTER 3 are very reliant upon the action they deliver. This sounds like an obvious statement since the film is an action movie, but more so with the TRANSPORTER films, where the plot is an afterthought to the stunts.

TRANSPORTER 3 delivers several brilliant action sequences, by car, train and sea, but not quite enough to compensate for its length. To appease its male audience, and I suppose add something to the plot the third film throws in the exotic Natalya Rudakova. Rudakova’s exotic attractiveness adds a new layer to the series, but only lasts as long as her role remains speechless. Robert Knepper is fine as the sadistic Johnson, but offers nothing new to the villain role. Statham as always, brings a chiseled, macho and tough demeanor to Frank, a sort-of second-rate humorless Bruce Willis.

TRANSPORTER 3 will likely thrill those enamored with action movies, but those looking for a little more action or plot to condone a full-length feature film, you’re likely to be disappointed.

Grade: C+