In Transporter 3, Jason Statham once again plays former Special Forces mercenary Frank Martin, who relocates to Paris to resume delivering packages, his usual work, without questions. Every action film needs an antagonist, and so Robert Knepper assumes this role as Johnson. François Berléand returns as Inspector Tarconi, whilst Natalya Rudakova rounds out the ensemble as Valentina Vasilev. As Transporter 3's tale unfolds, Martin and Vasilev find themselves confined to Martin's Audi A8 W12, though both contain bracelets programmed to explode should either venture roughly seventy-five feet away from the vehicle. Martin must obey Johnson, and drive Vasilev, an Ukrainian politician's daughter who was kidnapped, to the destination he desires.
In less skilled hands, the fact that Martin and Vasilev are mostly confined to remain within or near Martin's Audi would arrest the film's development, yet this isn't the case for the most part. Beneath the movie's central plot, these movement restrictions cause a jestful interplay between Statham and Rudakova. Vasilev's carefree, spontaneous nature proves to be in stark contrast to Martin's detached, businessman like ethic, fuelling initial confrontation between these cultural opposites. Eventually, both wade past these exteriors, unearthing altogether fresh dimensions to the character's personalities. Albeit not earth shattering, this nonetheless achieves its purpose, the purpose being to inject a fresh twist into the franchise.
Movie viewers who shamelessly feasted upon the extremely improbably martial arts sequences apparent in previous installments should have no fear, since Hong Kong cinema surfaces once again thanks to choreographer Corey Yuen, particularly in a brawl which occurs in a garage. Martin uses all which comes to hand to fend off Johnson's goons, including his jacket and shirt even, disrobing them mid-action. Having said this, it would've been entertaining to witness more hand-to-hand combat.
Special features include audio commentary from director Olivier Megaton, a documentary which chronicles the making of Transporter 3, and four featurettes with commentary from Megaton, more specifically; storyboard / feature comparisons, special FX, production and car stunts. Spanning just over sixteen minutes, the making of documentary is a bog standard extra which performs its function, verifying Statham's skills as a martial artist. Of the DVD's bonus content, the storyboard / feature comparisons with commentary from Megaton is the highlight, particularly where Megaton discusses a scene planned for Transporter 3's beginning which was ultimately abandoned due to time and budget restraints.
If you took delight in the martial arts sequences and high-octane action prevalent within both The Transporter and Transporter 2, then viewing Transporter 3 will elicit a similar experience. The film doesn't reinvent the action genre, or introduce fresh elements, but is another worthwhile installment.
Reviewed by Robert Gray
