It says something about the forgettable nature of this films plot that I had to look it up before writing the above paragraph. What you get with this film is nothing much in the way of narrative or character development, but rather a series of (very) impressive action sequences linked together by the weakest and most contrived of plots. If you thought that ‘xXx’ was all action and no story then prepare to be amazed by The Transporter.

The action scenes and stunts are very impressive though. From the opening getaway car chase (very reminiscent of ‘Ronin’ and last years ‘The Bourne Identity’) through narrow French streets to the last half hour, which is practically one long action sequence, you should never be bored. The film has a very unique feel to it, the European setting makes for some lovely backdrops and the film has a look similar to Jet Li’s ‘Kiss of the Dragon’ (set in Paris). Part of this can no doubt be attributed to producer/co-writer Luc Besson’s involvement.

In-fact the plot of the movie bares a striking similarity to Besson’s excellent ‘Leon’ (The Professional in North America). A professional, set in his ways and very successful, breaks his own rules, shacks up with a young female and ends up being chased by a bunch of bad guys. The direction is handled by veteran Eastern director Corey Yuen. He has a long list of credits to his name, but this is his first Western film. The film does sag in the plot driven, exposition scenes, but when the action strikes up Yuen shifts into a higher gear.

Whether it’s a chase sequence, an explosion or just a big fist fight Yeun shoots the action with a wonderful eye. Fast and frenetic, some of the later fist fights are particularly impressive. Even more impressive given that the man who is the center of these scenes isn’t Jet Li or Jackie Chan, but Jason Statham. Yes that’s right Jason ‘plank’ Statham appears to be something of a martial artist and given his performance here could well be up there with Vin Diesel and The Rock vying for the tag of ‘next big action star’.

The fights in the film are a lot like a mix of Jet Li’s and Jackie Chan’s style. You have the speed and ferocity of Li and the invention and agility of Chan. For example, a fight scene takes place on a bus as Statham flips over seats, through small gaps and uses various objects as weapons. I honestly could not believe what I was seeing at times. I haven’t been a big fan of Statham in the past; I find his straight acting incredibly wooden. However I will be the first to admit that he may well have found his niche in the action genre.

The rest of the cast are for the most part fairly forgettable. Qi Shu plays the package and ultimately the love interest, but her poor grasp of English stunts her performance, so it’s just as well that she is incredibly easy on the eye. Matt Schulze plays the rent-a-badguy, he reminded me heavily of Stephen Dorff from the first Blade film, but not as good. He never convinces as a credible threat to Martin. Equally as invective is Francois Berleand as a local French cop. He hums and haws a lot, but never really does anything.