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Wednesday, April 05, 2006 

Title: The Transporter 2 2005



Starring: Jason Statham, Kate Nauta, Alessandro Gassman, Amber Valletta
Director: Louis Leterrier
Rating: Rated PG-13 intense sequences of violent action, sexual content, partial nudity and brief language.
Imdb link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0388482/
Genre: Action

Review of Movie:
Ah, the Transporter. The red headed step-child of the action movie family. The first movie was not bad, in fact, it was pretty good. But still, it was largely panned, and quickly forgotten. But, lying in wait was Louis Leterrier with the REAL movie.
The formula for The Transporter 2 goes something like this:
-Take 'The Transporter'
-Subtract plot
-Increase action

Not to say that is a bad thing. This movie is a visual orgy, every shot, no matter how insignificant is shot perfectly. I could not care less about the fact that the plot was like a rejected '24' season. To add to the visual supremacy of the movie is the excellent fight choreography, a lethal ballet. There is one scene in particular which I found to be the most inventive, and most entertaining since the bamboo fight in 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.' All I can give you for a hint is, 'Fire hose.'

Resuming his role as the titular transporter is Jason Statham, most recognizable from his roles in Guy Ritchie Films (IE 'Lock stock, and Two Smoking Barrels' 'Snatch'), has bulked up since we last saw him.. Very convincing in this role, It is disappointing to see his acting range limited to Angry, Smoldering, Angry, and more Angry. The Femme Fatale opposite Statham, played by Kate Nauta, alternately sultry, seductive, and Bat-Shit insane. Coming back and stealing the show is the French policeman, providing much needed comic relief and wit. For a change of pace from the interesting characters, the 'Bad guy,' (Alessandro Gassman) is completely unconvincing, and the low point of the movie.

A nearly non-stop thrill ride, The Transporter two is a great rental.

Movie Final Score : 8/10

Review of Special Features:

The movie includes two English audio tracks (DTS 5.1, Surround 5.1), which is a plus for anyone with a nice audio set up.
The rest of the features are much less 'special,' than Dolby theater surround (a rarity on some DVD's). A making of featurette is included, which is the typical "Oh, it was very nice to work with (name)" doc, more of a thank you to the studio than a look inside the workings of a movie.
Also on the disc are the standard deleted scenes, which were obviousley cut for good reason, and an extended rough cut of one car chase, which contains some of the most hideous music imaginable.

On the plus side, the disc is two sided, including the Widescreen, and Chopped version. The audio quality is superb, and the video transfer is crisp, and brings forth vivid colors.

DVD Final Score : 6/10