Review: Transporter 3 (2008)

[Homer Yen]

"Transporter 3" - Mindless Fun
by Homer Yen
(c) 2008

Jason Statham.  Chase scenes.  Choreographed martial arts sequences.
A girl who is as functional and as pretty as a hood ornament.  Listen
guys, this really isn't the kind of film where you think about whether
you want to invest the entry fee.  Either you are or you aren't.  If
you are, it's because of five basic reasons.  1) Jason Statham;  2)
chase scenes (lots of them and all very cool);  3) martial arts
sequences; 4) a pretty girl; and 5) you've tolerated the first two
film of the series, which I would also categorize as mindless fun, so
why not come back for thirds?  The main reason not to bother is
because if you are craving for action, there's another action film
starring another equally sexy Brit in the same theatre.  And while I
like the hyper-tuned Audi that is featured in "Transporter 3", it
doesn't have quite the same flair as the Aston Martin.

So for all of you who have seen "Transporter 3" or are planning to see
it, I can say, however, that this one is actually the best of the
three in several ways.  The plot, while opaque at first, is more
interesting that the first two.  Frank (Statham) is more reluctant
this time around, and has his back against the wall more often than
not thanks to a plot device that keeps him near his car.  This gives
him ample opportunities to drive really, really fast.  The look of the
film is very handsome, featuring some of the nicest scenery that
rivals the places seen in 007 films.  And Statham sports a toned body,
excellent abs, and a reluctant hero/tough-guy demeanor that perfectly
fits this kind of film.

The hallmarks of these films are the various chase sequences.  And
there are some memorable stunts (or CGI-created sequences).  One
involves an extended chase that begins on a narrow two-lane highway,
continues with an unbelievable maneuver to pass by two 18-wheelers,
and ends on a mountainside dirt road.  Another one that has to make
you grin is where Frank commandeers a bicycle to pursue the bad guys.

On the flip side, the decision to give Frank a little more character
development by showcasing him as a gourmand (in addition to
driver/fighter) seemed just bizarre.  Meanwhile, there is absolutely
no chemistry between him and his female companion, and when the
obligatory kiss comes, it qualifies as The Most Unlikely Screen Couple
in cinematic history.  Regarding the girl (Natalya Rudakova), you've
never seen anyone so equally cute and vapid at the same time.
However, all of these films have featured soft sex kittens rather than
strong female leads, so she keeps the status quo.

The movie will hold your attention.  Jason Statham is a good action
hero, although I fear that all of his films will involve a car.  He's
an excellent bodyguard and certainly someone that will cause you to
think twice before engaging him in melee.  The villains are also
charismatic and menacing.  It's always funny to see the top villain
punish his subordinates who fail.  And Audi scores a coup for its nice
looking car.  "Transporter 3" isn't a great film.  But it is a guilty
pleasure.

Grade:	C+

S:	1 out of 3
L:	2 out of 3
V:	2 out of 3