The Transporter Refueled

This reboot of the Transporter franchise is the epitome of Eurotrash—loud, vacuous, and stupid, but also action-packed and slickly filmed in elegant locales. The sadly uncharismatic Ed Skrein steps in for Jason Statham (who starred in the initial trilogy) as Frank, a former soldier turned driver-for-hire for rich passengers in serious need of protection. Frank accepts a job from a femme fatale on the French Riviera who, unbeknownst to him, is plotting—along with some equally beautiful confederates—to destroy the Russian prostitution ring that they were all forced into. Their plan involves several intricate heists, for which they need Frank's services both as driver and as muscle-man (to ensure his cooperation they kidnap his father). What follows is a series of alternating street chases and martial arts fights, as innumerable police cars are destroyed, and Frank dispatches gang after gang of ruffians. All of this barrels towards a predictable showdown between Frank and the central villain on a picturesque Mediterranean cliff. The Transporter series may be refueled on paper, but it's running on fumes. Not recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “Frank Martin: The Reluctant Hero” character featurette (9 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are the production segments “The Coeur Brise: Les Femmes” (6 min.) and “Rocketing From 0-60” (6 min.), and a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a decent extras package for an unnecessary reboot.] (F. Swietek)