Transporter is adrenaline fix

Watch and enjoy The Transporter, but do refrain from thinking while viewing. Just know that its filmmakers are likely aware of the film's genre - nonsensical action/adventure/etc. - and that they are probably not trying to outclass Citizen Kane. Jason Statham (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch) stars as the transporter, Frank Martin, who is retired from the special forces and working in France. And what exactly is it that Frank transports? So long as he is paid and his client adheres to the original plan, Frank will transport anything in his stylish, black BMW. Concerning the business of transporting, Frank does have a few rules for himself - He will not ask questions and he never looks at his cargo. These rules were created to make the business run smoothly. It is when he breaks these rules and gets involved with a kidnapped piece of cargo, which happens to be a young woman, that things get kind of crazy. The craziness is at first pleasant and easy for the mind to handle as there are just explosions and a wealth of excellent looking fights. However, the craziness becomes confusion when Frank hooks up with his kidnapped cargo, Lai (Qui Shu). At this point one can almost picture a random person reaching up to tack on a plot. To mention the plot is to work against the idea that one should watch and not think because the plot is not only secondary to the action, but it is also genuinely baffling and requires too much thought. For those who really want to know, however, here it is: About 400 of Lai's people from China are being transported against their will to France by an evil man (whom Lai knows very well) and his evil associate for no clear reason. The plot's purpose is to give Lai, who objects to the cruel treatment of her people, a reason to request Frank's services so Frank will have the opportunity to flaunt his muscles and martial arts skills. That is okay, though. We must remember that the action is the draw to the movie. The action is visually very enjoyable. The colors are great, the sets are seemly and the fight sequences are not a medley of cuts meant to create the illusion that Statham has some martial arts skills - Statham appears to be authentically skilled. The film also pays homage (knowingly or unknowingly) to the pinnacle of adventure films, Raiders of the Lost Ark, in a few of its later action sequences - Frank's attempts to seize a truck are particularly reminiscent of a certain famous scene in Indiana Jones. The Transporter, directed by Corey Yuen and written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, is a good action flick. The fight choreography and car chases are very impressive, but that is the extent of the film's value. It is fun to watch though, as long as you remember to leave the brain at home or in the car. The Transporter is showing at Carmike Wynnsong 16, Halls Cinema 7, Regal Knoxville Center 10 and Regal Farragut Towne Square 10. Rating: Cx