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Transporter 3 (2008)
Transporter 3 (French: Le Transporteur 3) is a 2008 English-language French action film directed by Olivier Megaton. A sequel to Transporter 2 (2005) it is the third installment in the Transporter film series and the final installment of the original trilogy, but not the last movie, since it was succeeded by The Transporter Refueled. Jason Statham and François Berléand reprise their roles as Frank Martin and Inspector Tarconi. Frank Martin returns to France in order to continue his low-key business of delivering packages without question. Transporter 3 grossed $112.9 million, making it the highest-grossing film in the trilogy.
Plot
On a cargo ship, two workers open a container with toxic waste and die from fumes. The captain, knowing the cargo, disposes of their bodies. Meanwhile, Frank Martin, returning from Miami to the French Riviera, unsuccessfully fishes with Tarconi, who gets a call about a black Audi A8 that bypassed customs and police. In Odesa, Ukrainian Environmental Agency Minister Leonid Tomilenko receives a threat from corrupt Ecocorp official Jonas Johnson to resume negotiations.
That night, the Audi crashes into Frank's home, driven by Malcolm Manville, from whom Frank had previously declined a job. Paramedics take Malcolm away, revealing a passenger who warns Frank not to take her. He realizes the metal bracelets on her and Malcolm will detonate if they stray from the car, but the ambulance explodes, killing Malcolm. Frank is knocked unconscious by Johnson's henchman, wakes up with an explosive bracelet, and is forced to drive Malcolm's passenger, Valentina, and a package to Budapest.
Ecocorp, after secretly dealing with Tomilenko to bring a ship full of toxic waste into the country, tells him to expect seven more ships. Tomilenko has one day to sign Ecocorp's agreement, so he sends agents to find Frank's destination via Malcolm's GPS. While Tarconi looks into Johnson's motives, Frank visits Otto. Johnson's men arrive, order them back, and Frank fights them off, but Otto can't disarm the explosive transmitter in the car.
Frank reaches Budapest, but one of Johnson's men steals the Audi with Valentina inside. Chasing them down by bicycle, Frank recovers the car, and Johnson redirects him to Bucharest. Pursued by Tomilenko's agents in a black Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Frank maneuvers them off a cliff and realizes Valentina is the real package. Valentina is revealed to be Tomilenko's daughter, who was drugged in Eivissa and transported by Malcolm for Johnson to blackmail her father.
Johnson ambushes Frank and Valentina on a bridge in Odesa, with Valentina captured and her bracelet removed. Frank drives into a lake, and Johnson leaves him to die. Underwater, Frank inflates a plastic bag with air from the car's tires, surfacing where Tarconi and Ukrainian police rescue him. On a train with Valentina, Johnson gives Tomilenko fifteen minutes to sign the contract.
Frank jumps the Audi onto the train, killing Johnson's men, but Johnson is too far to reach. He uncouples the train cabs, leaving himself and Valentina on one train and Frank on another. Frank reaches the Audi, jumping into the next cab with Johnson and Valentina. They fight; Frank subdues Johnson, takes his key, attaches the bracelet instead, and reverses the Audi. The bracelet detonates, killing Johnson. Frank reunites with Valentina. Tomilenko learns Valentina is safe with Tarconi and tears up Ecocorp contracts as police raid the cargo ship. Frank and Tarconi go back to fishing in Marseilles with Valentina.
Cast
- Jason Statham as Frank Martin
- Natalya Rudakova as Valentina Tomilenko
- François Berléand as Inspector Tarconi
- Robert Knepper as Jonas Johnson
- Jeroen Krabbé as Leonid Tomilenko
- Alex Kobold as Leonid's Aide
- Katia Tchenko as Leonid's Secretary
- David Atrakchi as Malcolm Manville
- Yann Sundberg as Flag
- Eriq Ebouaney as Ice
- David Kammenos as Driver Market
- Silvio Simac as Mighty Joe
- Oscar Relier as Thug / Driver
- Timo Dierkes as Otto
- Igor Koumpan as Ukrainian cop
- Paul Barrett as Captain
- Elef Zack as Mate
- Michel Neugarten as Sergei
- Farid Elquardi as Yuri
- Semmy Schilt as the Giant
Production
Natalya Rudakova was spotted by Luc Besson on the street as she hurried to her job at a New York City hair salon. He paid for 25 acting lessons over a six-month period, and brought her to audition in Paris, before she received the role.[4] Roger Ebert noted the rarity of leading ladies who are heavily freckled.[5] Shooting was initially expected to last for 16 weeks, in France. It was also filmed in Odesa, Ukraine.[6]
Release
Home media
Transporter 3 was released on DVD and Blu-ray Disc on March 10, 2009 in the United States. 1,108,030 units were sold, bringing in $19.7 million in revenue.[7] Icon Films picked up the rights to distribute the film in the UK and Australia.[8]
Reception
Box office
Unlike its predecessors, Transporter 3 was released by Lionsgate Films instead of 20th Century Fox in the United States. On its opening weekend, the film opened at number 7 with $12 million.[9] The film grossed $31.7 million in the United States and in Canada and $77.3 million in other countries, for a total gross of $109 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film in the Transporter trilogy.[3] '
Critical response
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 40% of 115 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.8/10. The website's consensus reads: "This middling installment in the Transporter franchise is a few steps down from its predecessors, featuring generic stunts and a lack of energy."[10] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 51 out of 100, based on 26 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[11] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B−" on an A+ to F scale.[12]
Roger Ebert gave praise to Megaton's direction for sidestepping the shaky cam for more stable visuals and found Statham to be a "splendid action hero," calling it "a perfectly acceptable brainless action thriller, inspiring us to give a lot of thought to complex sequences we would have been better off sucking on as eye candy."[5] Entertainment Weekly's Lisa Schwarzbaum rated the film a B grade, noting how the plot is similar to previous efforts but said it "makes good on its formula with no pretensions."[13] Marc Savlov of The Austin Chronicle said, "Transporter 3 is terrifically stupid fun, in the very best (or worst, depending on your tolerance for this sort of thing) sense."[14] The A.V. Club's Scott Tobias said the movie falls short of the standards set by the first two Transporter films but gave praise to the "Speed-like bracelet gimmick" for delivering on the action scenes and the decent chemistry between Statham and Rudakova, concluding that: "It's enough to pass the time, but just barely."[15] Mike Mayo of The Washington Post called it "the best of the unapologetically ridiculous series", pointing out the "hyperactive editing" in the cartoonish vehicular stunts and fight scenes, concluding that: "Overall, the production has the polish and pace that producer/co-writer Luc Besson's work is known for. Any complaints about the lack of substance are pointless."[16]
Jim Vejvoda of IGN wrote that: "Transporter 3 gets some points for a few cleverly handled action sequences, but the romantic subplot and nods to Crank ultimately undermine the film."[17] Norman Wilner of NOW criticized the premise for lacking the "nice balance between car stunts and gymnastic punch-ups" from previous films and forcing Statham to perform more driving scenes than hand-to-hand combat ones, concluding that: "It's not the best use of his talents."[18] Jeremiah Kipp of Slant Magazine was critical of the filmmakers utilizing the "ultra-slick, sexy-sheen, redundant style of car commercials" for their overall visual aesthetic and Statham's dry humor coming across like Sean Connery's James Bond in Goldfinger.[19] Peter Howell of the Toronto Star criticized the overall plot structure and monotonous pacing for betraying the film's "action status," saying: "You know a series is in trouble when it begins mocking its own premise."[20] James Berardinelli called it "the most frustrating entry into a series that has never set the bar terribly high", commending Statham and the fight scenes he's in but was critical of the nonsensical plot trying to fit in with the action scenes and the car chases coming across as "empty amusement", concluding that: "Transporter 3 is proof that brain-dead action movies can be found in theaters during Oscar season as well as during the summer. Fans of the first two Transporter films will likely find this one diverting, although it is a step in the wrong direction. Others will wonder how a movie this disjointed and poorly scripted could get made."[21]
Rudakova's performance was generally derided by critics. Berardinelli commended her sexual appeal, despite not being "conventionally attractive" for the role, but felt her English delivery came off like "phonetic readings."[21] Vejvoda called it "one of the most grating film debuts of all time," criticizing her romantic scenes opposite Statham as not "particularly charming or sexy."[17] Conversely, Ebert said that "Rudakova is no Bonnie Hunt when it comes to personality. She skulks, pouts, clams up, looks out the window, and yet falls in love with the Transporter. Some perfectionists will no doubt criticize her acting. I say the hell with her acting. Look at those freckles. I can never get enough of freckles."[5] Peter Hartlaub of the San Francisco Chronicle found her to be the "perfect woman" for the film, pointing out her "Dennis the Menace freckles, red hair and semi-crazy behavior," and lacking the "plastic hotness of your primped-up Bond girl."[22]
Transporter 2 (2005)
Transporter 2 (French: Le Transporteur 2) is a 2005 English-language French action film directed by Louis Leterrier and written by Luc Besson & Robert Mark Kamen. It is the sequel to The Transporter (2002) and the second installment in the Transporter film series, followed by Transporter 3 (2008) and The Transporter Refueled. It stars Jason Statham as Frank Martin, with Alessandro Gassmann, Amber Valletta, Kate Nauta, François Berléand, Matthew Modine, and Jason Flemyng. In the film, Frank Martin (Statham) is tasked with protecting the young son of politician Jefferson Billings (Modine) from an international drugs cartel.
Transporter 2 was theatrically released in France on August 3, 2005, by EuropaCorp, and was released in the United States on September 2, 2005, by 20th Century Fox. It received mixed reviews from critics with praise for Statham's performance, action sequences and direction, but criticism for its screenwriting. It grossed $89.1 million worldwide and was followed by the sequel Transporter 3 (2008).
Plot
Frank Martin has relocated from southern France to Miami, Florida, where, as a favor to a friend, he becomes the temporary chauffeur for wealthy Audrey and Jefferson Billings. Frank bonds with their son Jack, picking him up from elementary school after subduing a gang of carjackers who try to steal his new Audi A8 W12. Preparing for a visit from his friend Inspector Tarconi, Frank rebuffs the drunken advances of Audrey, whose marriage has become strained.
When Frank takes Jack for a medical checkup, he realizes that impostors have killed the real doctor and receptionist. A lengthy fight erupts with the imposters, led by the trigger-happy Lola, but Frank escapes with Jack. Returning to the Billings' house, Frank receives a phone call explaining that he and Jack are in the sights of a sniper capable of penetrating the car's bulletproof glass. Forced at gunpoint to let Lola in the car and evade the police, Frank is taken to Gianni Chellini, the operation's ringleader, who demands a $5 million ransom from the Billings. The kidnappers leave with Jack, while Frank succeeds in removing an explosive from his car a split-second before detonation.
Assuring Audrey of his innocence, Frank recovers a syringe left by the kidnappers at the doctor's office, while Jack is found seemingly unharmed. With Tarconi's help, Frank tracks down one of the kidnappers, Dimitri, and pretends to inject him with the syringe. He follows Dimitri to a makeshift lab, where he fights off another henchman and discovers the kidnappers have manufactured a deadly and highly contagious virus; Jack has been infected, passing the virus to his parents. Frank is forced to kill Dimitri, while Chellini's scientist hurls the antidote out of the window. Retrieving one dose intact, Frank sneaks into the Billings' home, warning Audrey and using the antidote on Jack.
Jefferson, head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, addresses a conference of heads of anti-drug organizations from around the world, unknowingly infecting them all. Frank races to Chellini's home, defeating his henchmen but discovering that Chellini has injected himself with the remaining supply of antidote. Chellini explains that the Colombian drug cartels hired him to eliminate their enemies, and that Frank cannot kill him and risk losing the antidote. Chellini leaves Lola to deal with Frank, who fatally impales her on a wine rack.
Chellini escapes by helicopter to a waiting jet to Colombia, while Frank steals his Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster and speeds to the airport, climbing into the jet's nose gear as it takes off. Killing the co-pilot, Frank confronts Chellini, who holds him at gunpoint. In the ensuing scuffle, the pilot is killed and the plane crash-lands in the ocean. Frank incapacitates Chellini while preserving the antidote in his bloodstream, pulling them out of the sinking plane as the police arrive.
At the hospital, the Billings are given the antidote and Jack has made a full recovery. After visiting the Billings in the hospital along with Jack, Frank drives Tarconi to the airport. Having dropped off Tarconi at the airport, Frank receives an unexpected call from someone who is looking for a transporter, to which he responds: "I'm listening".
Cast
- Jason Statham as Frank Martin
- Alessandro Gassmann as Gianni Chellini
- Amber Valletta as Audrey Billings
- Kate Nauta as Lola
- Matthew Modine as Senator Jefferson Billings
- Jason Flemyng as Dimitri
- Keith David as U.S. Marshal Stappleton
- Hunter Clary as Jack Billings
- Shannon Briggs as Max
- François Berléand as Inspector Tarconi
- Jeff Chase as Vasily
- AnnaLynne McCord as Car Jacker Girl
- Tim Ware as U.S. Marshal Hoffman
- Marc Macaulay as U.S. Marshal Brown
- Marty Wright as SWAT Commander
- Raymond Tong as Rastaman
- George Kapetan as Dr. Sonovitch
Music
| Transporter 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by Various Artists | |
| Released | 6 September 2005 |
| Genre | Pop, rock |
| Length | 57:05 |
| Label | TVT Records |
| Producer | Various Artists |
| Singles from Transporter 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack | |
| |
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   [5] |
| IGN | [6] |
The soundtrack album for Transporter 2 was released in the United States on 6 September 2005 by TVT Records. It features sixteen tracks recorded by various artists, including the film score composed by Alexandre Azaria. James Christopher Monger from Allmusic rated the album three stars out of five, citing Grand National's "Talk Amongst Yourselves", Anggun's "Saviour" and Mylo's "Paris Four Hundred" as the highlights of the soundtrack.[5]
Soundtrack
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Naughty Girl" | Alexandre Azaria | Alexandre Azaria | 1:28 |
| 2. | "Cells" | Dan Black | The Servant | 4:50 |
| 3. | "Icarus" | Amen Birdmen | Amen Birdmen | 5:02 |
| 4. | "Painful" (Morphium Mix) | Brunello | Sin | 4:00 |
| 5. | "Main Theme" | Alexandre Azaria | Alexandre Azaria | 4:09 |
| 6. | "Life Support" | Dave Cobb, Dimitris Koutsiouris, Toby Marriott | The Strays | 2:56 |
| 7. | "Body" | Dan Black | The Servant | 4:46 |
| 8. | "Talk Amongst Yourselves" | Lawrence Rudd | Grand National | 4:31 |
| 9. | "Kendo" | Alexandre Azaria | Alexandre Azaria | 1:20 |
| 10. | "Saviour" | Anggun C. Sasmi, Evelyne Kral, Frederic Jaffre | Anggun | 3:44 |
| 11. | "Revolution" | Camus Mare Celli | Kate Nauta | 3:41 |
| 12. | "Paris Four Hundred" | Myles Macinnes | Mylo | 3:36 |
| 13. | "Can You Handle It?" | Sebo K. | Shakedown | 4:04 |
| 14. | "Chase" | Ross Bonney, Adam Goemans, Ramsay Miller, Scott Rinning | Cinematics | 3:52 |
| 15. | "Voodoo Child" | Laurent Daumail | Afu-Ra, DJ Cam | 3:13 |
| 16. | "Jet Boxing" | Alexandre Azaria | Alexandre Azaria | 2:19 |
| Total length: | 50:05 | |||
Reception
Box office
Transporter 2 opened in the United States on 2 September 2005. During its opening weekend, the film grossed $16.5 million in the U.S.[7] In total, it earned $43 million in the U.S. and $85 million worldwide.[1]
Critical response
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a score of 52% based on reviews from 122 critics and an average rating of 5.4/10, with the reported consensus: "A stylish and more focused sequel to The Transporter, the movie is over-the-top fun for fans of the first movie."[8] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score 56 out of 100, based on reviews from 29 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[9] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.[10]
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times awarded the film 3 stars out of 4 and said it was better than the original.[11] Stephen Hunter of the Washington Post gave it a negative review and wrote: "Statham isn't the best thing in Transporter 2; he's essentially the only thing."[12]
Director Louis Leterrier stated that Martin was "the first gay action movie hero", suggesting that the character comes out when he refuses a woman's advances by saying, "It's because of who I am."[13] This is contradicted by the first film in the series, in which Martin sleeps with a woman, and Transporter 3, which Leterrier did not direct, in which Martin develops a heterosexual relationship. Asked his opinion of the third film, Leterrier stated that after re-watching his first two films "they aren't that gay".[14]
Sequel
A 2008 sequel, entitled Transporter 3, was released in the U.S. on 26 November 2008. It is the only film in the Transporter trilogy to be distributed by Lionsgate in the US.