Action scenes are not enough

Rating: 6/10 (13 July 2004)

I haven't seen action movie in, literally, years. Sure, I saw adventure/war/thriller/sci-fi movies with action (combat) scenes, but no pure action movie, because I totally lost interest in this genre long time ago. I got this movie from a friend, he just told me, it's the guy from Snatch and if nothing else, it's worth seeing it because of a car chase. So I watched it without expectations, and like with Pirates Of The Caribbean, it worked out very well for me. I'm starting to believe no-expectation policy is the way to go.
Le Transporteur is pure action and that's it. The movie has weak plot, average acting, no character development, but it has energy. The car chase at the beginning is the best I have ever seen. It really rushed adrenaline through my veins. Fighting scenes were also impressive for me, but I really can't compare them to anything as I've usually avoided kick-ass movies since the time of Van Damme. Yes, the movie is totally unrealistic and unbelievable, in real-life main character would die at least ten times (or maybe a hundred times), but that's how it's got to be in this genre nowadays. Actually, that's how it has always been.
Jason Statham, with his black suit, leather gloves and (almost) bald head, reminded me (like another user already wrote) of Hit-man - assassin from a PC game. As a matter of fact, the movie kinda looks like a game. They too lack in story (usually there is none or it's ridiculous), but they look good and are fun, just like this movie. There are complaints about young Shu Qi, but I think she did okay, wouldn't say it was major casting error. I guess they needed oh so cute, fragile, in-need-of-protection type. So what if her English sucks?
But, the movie could be much better. It started really well, with a cool, interesting guy who is real professional. But, when a girl showed up, the movie-makers couldn't resist a little romance, which was unnecessary and really didn't fit in. Bad boys' leader, who is in many movies so charismatic, is here totally empty, shallow, uninteresting. The music wasn't that bad like some say, it was somewhat good, but it really could be better. It's great way to improve the movie with the music, and I really don't understand why they didn't put more effort in it.
I kinda feel bad for the movie, because I did like it. I believe it could be one of the best action movies ever made. Unfortunately, a movie is a whole. Everything counts: acting, directing, script, editing, sound&music. Even action movie needs more than just good action scenes to become really great action movie. Maybe it will improve in sequel, but we all know what's usually the story with sequels, so...