Review: The Transporter Refueled

The Transporter Refueled

   This movie pretty well delivered everything I expected from it.  It's Luc Besson, so I expected style, creative action, and not a lot of substance in the story.  Luc Besson isn't really out to innovate in terms of story.  He's more about using the story to create interesting action.  I think the Wachowskis (The Matrix Trilogy) may have beat him at his own game, but alas, they have turned out to be a one hit wonder.  Meanwhile Luc Besson just keeps going and going.  This is his latest production.

   The movie starts on the French Riviera in the 90's.  A ruthless crime boss takes over the prostitution in all of South France (by murdering resident pimps on the spot).  Obviously he makes a few enemies.  One of them is Anna, one of the crime lord's girls.  After a few years she and some others have hatched a plan for revenge - and it involves Frank Martin - The Transporter.

   Now about Frank Martin.  This is the fourth Transporter movie and all of them center around Frank Martin.  In the first three Jason Statham played Frank Martin.  This time it's Ed Skrein.  I can't decide yet what I think of Ed.  He's interesting.  He has screen presence, but I don't know why.  I just learned something that might explain it though.  He's an accomplished athlete.  He once swam the English channel for charity.  Another time he cycled 1,000 miles - also for charity.  So where Jason Statham looks at you in a threatening way he'll make good on it and kick your butt.  But if Ed Skrein looks at you in a threatening way he'll make good on it and kick your butt - and donate the proceeds to charity.  Also, this guy is turning up everywhere in supporting roles.  No complaints here.

   I can't honestly recommend this movie.  I enjoyed it.  But I am not hard on movies.  If you aren't hard on movies, and good action pleases you then go for it.  Otherwise you should probably wait for the Redbox.

      Big Shot Critic