Driving Ms. Danger

Over the last few weeks we've watched three related films: The Transporter, Transporter 2, and Transporter 3.  Frank Martin (played by Jason Statham) makes his living anonymously transporting dangerous cargo for hire.  The hook: Martin is ex-Special Forces and equipped to deliver regardless of the perils he encounters en route.  These movies cover three of his jobs that go wrong and what he does to salvage them and his reputation for 100% success.

These are fairly standard action adventure films with a few redeeming characteristics.  Statham is a buff martial arts expert; his acting is laconic, but he does most of the fight scenes shirtless with his gorgeous upper body on display.  The foil to Statham's Frank Martin is French police Inspector Tarconi (Francois Berleand), who has all of the charm and humor that Martin lacks.  Many of the computer-enhanced special effects are really over the top, the women are strong, unusual characters, and the soundtracks incorporate interesting pop and jazz.  My personal favorite was Transporter 3, probably because the heroine spends a lot of time obsessing about good food and wine; Statham's reactions to her fantasy menus are about the only time he ever smiles.  It also has some interesting continuity errors for those who like finding flaws.

All three are worth a look if you're tired of watching reruns of the Terminator films and the oeuvre of Steven Seagal.  The rumor mill hints that Transporter 4 may be coming soon to a theater near you.

"Inspector Tarconi: It's a good thing that we French have such a highly developed sense of humor.
Frank Martin: With all due respect, the French think that Jerry Lewis is a genius.
Inspector Tarconi: Jerry Lewis is a genius.
Frank Martin: Dean was the genius.
Inspector Tarconi: No. Dean just stood there with a drink and a cigarette.
Frank Martin: My point exactly. Anyone can fall down and get a laugh. But how many people can do it standing still with a drink and a cigarette?"
~Transporter 3