Transporter meets XXX meets POI meets ...

Rating: 7/10 (20 April 2015)

1. If you are too young to have seen Kurt Russell in SOLDIER, stop reading this review and go get a copy. I would hate for you to walk away with the impression that Russell (who was a Disney kid in the 1950s) is just a older guy in a suit who plays a smart-talking Fed. Just see it. Thank me later.
2. This is more than a "dream team" cast. This is so "high concept" you could get the bends trying to wrap your head around the strings that were pulled to force this into blockbuster mode. I am sorta OK with that but I want to go on record with the simple observation that the earlier entries in the series did not need to rely on pedigree, or genre-bending, they simply had to rely on what they offered the viewer. There is a difference.
3. Quick nod to Statham for creating one of the most iconic characters in modern film. And I am not sure he knows it. If you are fan of BANSHEE (and you should be, it's the edgiest show on TV) they actually had an episode where a Statham clone (a thin killer in a suit with a Brit accent) shows up to fight the sheriff. (OK to stop the review here and go watch Banshee). It was brilliant. Actually pound for pound and word for word and scene for scene better written and directed than this film.
4. No car stuff till the 26 min mark? Talk about resting on your laurels?
5. It is one of the better films this year. Problem is, I am not sure that is high praise.