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MOVIE REVIEW

The Transporter 2

MPA Rating: PG-13-Rating (MPA) intense sequences of violent action, sexual content, partial nudity and brief language.

Reviewed by: Todd Patrick
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating: Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Adults Teens
Genre: Action Crime Thriller Sequel
Length: 1 hr. 28 min.
Year of Release: 2005
USA Release: September 2, 2005 (wide)
Copyright, 20th Century Fox Copyright, 20th Century Fox Copyright, 20th Century Fox Copyright, 20th Century Fox Copyright, 20th Century Fox
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Featuring Jason Statham, Alessandro Gassmann, Amber Valletta, François Berléand, Kate Nauta
Director Louis Leterrier
Producer Luc Besson, Steven Chasman
Distributor Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. Trademark logo.20th Century Studios, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Studios, a division of The Walt Disney Company

Here’s what the distributor says about their film: “Retired in Miami, ex-Special Forces operative, Frank Martin, makes a living driving for the wealthy Billings family. He’s a huge favorite with their two small boys, but when the kids are kidnapped and injected with a potentially fatal virus, Frank defies the FBI and works relentlessly to get the boys to safety and discover the kidnapper’s master plan.”

Prequel: “The Transporter
Sequel: “Transporter 3

I had my first experience with really liking a bad movie this past July. The movie was “The Fantastic Four.” It had bad actors, bad special effects, and an almost non-existent plot. To my dismay, I found myself liking it anyway. It charmed me with its goofy humor, comic-book action, and the easy chemistry between its leads.

“The Transporter 2” had the same effect on me. It’s a movie where you can just sit back and enjoy the ride, not worrying about whether it’s a good movie (it’s not). Yes, it’s over-the-top. Yes, it requires you to completely suspend your disbelief for an hour and a half. Yes, a lot of the acting is bad. But it’s so darn fun that none of that matters.

“The Transporter 2” continues the adventures of Frank Martin: a retired special forces commando who tries to keep to himself and makes his living transporting cargo in his high-tech Audi. Cargo which always ends up causing him more trouble than he was initially paid for.

The movie opens with Frank finishing up a month-long stint as a fill-in chauffeur for the wealthy Billings family’s son, Jack. His last assignment is to take Jack to the doctor for a check-up. Upon arrival, Jack is kidnapped and held for ransom. This is a decoy, however, for a virus that has been injected into Jack that will infect anyone he breathes on within the next 24 hours. The real target was his father and the other politicians he will be around (and breathe on) at a conference the following night. Sound ridiculous? It is. In fact, there’s no reason to go into any of this movie’s plot details. If you go to see it, you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into.

“The Transporter 2” is the English equivalent of a Jackie Chan movie. Plot doesn’t matter, acting doesn’t really matter… nothing really matters except the ride. And Jason Statham takes us on one heckuva fun ride.

Statham is poised to take on the seat vacated by action heavies Stallone, Van Damme, and Schwarzenegger. He’s got it all: the looks, the acting ability, and the moves. This man has amazing athleticism and martial arts prowess. He fights with a pipe, a water hose, a table… anything he can get his hands on. It’s incredible to watch. And the camera work isn’t bad, either. The director actually lets you see Statham execute all of his unbelievable moves.

I would only recommend “The Transporter 2” to three groups of people: fans of the first movie (you know who you are), martial arts fans, and fans of low-budget action movies (who can REALLY suspend their disbelief). You will definitely laugh at a lot of the over-the-top stunts, most of which are impossible, but Statham’s physicality is worth the price of admission. He IS the British Jackie Chan.

“The Transporter 2” is not a movie for kids nor for those who are offended by phsical violence. Katie Nauta wears next to nothing in all of her scenes, there is some mild profanity, and there is a LOT of physical violence. I am a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a brown belt in Shotokan Karate, so fight choreography really appeals to me. Not since “The Matrix” have I seen such fantastic martial arts choreography in a western movie. If you don’t enjoy non-stop action and some very heavy violence (limbs being broken, stabbings, and a lot of people being shot), stay away. To those who are interested, “The Transporter 2” does not disappoint. It is mindless entertainment at its best. Hopefully, it will lead to Statham starring in a GOOD movie that can showcase all his talents.


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Neutral—James Bond + Man on Fire = Transporter 2. Excellent action flick. There is no attempt at realism, but with that in mind, there are many amazing stunts and action sequences. It was very entertaining. I rated Transporter 2 offensive because of the scantily-clad female villain. You don’t need to have seen the Transporter movie to understand this one (I have never seen the first).
My Ratings: Offensive / 4
Jeremy Duluth, age 19
Positive—I enjoy this type of movi,e and I enjoyed the first Transporter. While many of the action movies today have far too much language and nudity, this one wasn’t that bad. While the lead female villain could have worn more clothing, this movie is far less offensive than much of what is on network television now. I am a fan of Jason Statham and would agree he’s ready to become a huge action star. This movie is James Bond style with Jackie Chan action. The car chases are awesome!…
My Ratings: Offensive / 4
Dallas, age 35
Comments from young people
Negative—This is by far the worst movie I have ever seen. My friend and I went to see this, and we walked out not even halfway through the movie. The action scenes were so incredibly stupid that we just had to walk out and get a refund. I guess Frank (played by Jason Statham) is Mr. Invincible, or he can see bullets flying at him from 20 ft. away and dodge them without breaking a stride. There’s nothing really offensive in the movie, but if you like cheesy action flicks I would recommend this to you. If not, then this would be the worst way to waste your money at the movies. I would rather pay for a bag of popcorn than sit through this movie.
My Ratings: Average / 1
Ty, age 15
Positive—IF you saw and enjoyed the first one, you are going to like this one, too. You should know, going into a transporter movie, that you’re going to watch a roller coaster. It’s going to be a strait up fun movie with some of the most awesome fight scenes you have ever seen. I would suggest seeing the first one before the second, some of the second stuff relates to the first. Do bear in mind what was said about the female villain though, its really out of place and not needed. That being said, it rocked.
My Ratings: Average / 4½
Daniel Robison, age 17
NeutralMy Ratings: Average / 4½
Anna, age 17
Positive—Well, what can I say? “Transporter 2” is an excellent movie! Jason Statham really plays the part well. Anything you could ever want from an action movie is here: stunning fight sequences, fast and exciting car chases and a pretty good story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. There is quite a lot of violence throughout this movie, but I’ve seen much worse. It’s not extremely graphic, but there is a bit of blood now and then. As for nudity, some may find it offensive, but it’s no worse that the James Bond films. There is no actual sex in the film (thank goodness), but brief nudity. I don’t recall any blasphemy being used, but there are one or two F-words used. Overall, if you like a good adrenaline pumping action movie, see this one. However, if you are easily offended, then think about it before actually seeing it.
My Ratings: Offensive / 5
James, age 15