go rent La Femme Nikita instead, or see XXX for fun

Rating: Null/10 (29 November 2002)

The Transporter is basically a standard action flick with some nice scenery, and better than average fight scenes directed by a Hong Kong action film veteran.
I always keep my standards higher, though, for a Luc Besson flick, because I always wonder if he will make another "La Femme Nikita". I guess that's the artist's curse -- never living up to your best work. Anyways, there are some Besson trademarks in the film, and the first 20 minutes seem promising.. but it's basically your standard action film after that.

I don't expect a great plot or romance in an action film - but I have to say the love story was kind of sick, considering she falls for a guy that basically delivers her in a bound, gagged, and in a duffle bag to some God knows what fate. But nope, instead of knocking him over the head, she makes him breakfast, and falls in love with him, all to a cheesy "love" soundtrack. Uhh... right.
In XXX, it's all a little tongue in cheek, which makes it great stupid fun. But "The Transporter" isn't tongue in cheek at all - it's too busy being a slick action film.
So go see "La Femme Nikita" if you want a "serious" action film - or go see "XXX" for fun, and just to laugh at all the stupid stunts.

Did someone order a truckload of the usual ****? Well, the "Transporter" has delivered.