3 1/2 Stars

Transporter 2 is an absurdly entertaining film overflowing with invention and energy. There may not be a brain in its head but it’s slick, glossy, well produced and acted with a particularly appealing cast that sometimes resembles those animated characters in a Japanese comic strip. The second film in the Transporter trilogy plays like a cross between a Bond picture and one of those driving video game simulators. There takes a certain level of suspension of disbelief to truly enjoy this outing. The characters and vehicles seem to occupy a reality in which gravity and the laws of physics can be altered to accomplish feats of unbelievable action.

Take for instance a sequence in which the bad guy has placed a bomb on the undercarriage of the hero’s car. Instead of bailing out of the vehicle Statham jumps a ramp propelling his automobile into a midair barrel roll and uses a suspended crane to dislodge the explosive device. Impossible? Absolutely but it’s also extremely inventive. The whole film is stuffed with impressive stunt work and choreography (and some underwhelming CGI). Returning director Louis Leterrier is afforded a higher budget and tighter script than was the case on the first film. He has managed to deliver a thrilling time-killer with little ambition other than to entertain. Which it does in glorious fashion. The best of the series and a fine showcase for Statham’s physicality and cool bravado.

Director: Louis Leterrier
Stars: Jason Statham, Amber Valletta, Kate Nauta