To chart the differences between Transporter 3 and its two predecessors is as pointless as trying to parse its flimsy plot.
Transporter 3 (2008)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:104
Fresh:39
Rotten:65
Average Rating:4.8/10
Consensus: This middling installment in the Transporter franchise is a few steps down from its predecessors, featuring generic stunts and a lack of energy.
Australian Theatrical Release:
Feb 5, 2009 Wide
US Box Office: $31,316,973
Synopsis: Combining Western-style car chases and Hong Kong-inspired fight sequences choreographed by martial arts legend Cory Yuen, the Luc Besson-created TRANSPORTER films have found international success... Combining Western-style car chases and Hong Kong-inspired fight sequences choreographed by martial arts legend Cory Yuen, the Luc Besson-created TRANSPORTER films have found international success as a sort of working-class James Bond series. Jason Statham, who has become the go-to guy for big-budget B-movie thrills, returns once again as Frank Martin, the driver-for-hire for whom no job is too risky. Brimming with the usual jaw-dropping stunts, this is another crowd-pleasing entry in the saga, delivered at a brisk and flashy clip by director Olivier Megaton. Following the coercion of Ukrainian environmental official Leonid Vasilev (Jeroen Krabbe) into signing papers permitting the shipping of toxic materials into a harbor by criminal mastermind Johnson (Robert Knepper), Frank Martin is forced into accepting the job of driving Vasilev's kidnapped daughter, Valentina (Natalya Rudakova)--acting as human collateral--from Marseilles to the Black Sea coastal city of Odessa. On the chance the Martin should attempt to flee, Johnson has rigged him with a bracelet that will detonate if he strays more than 75 feet from his car. When Valentina is intercepted by a rival group, Martin will have to push his Audi M8 to the limit to complete his mission and ensure his own survival. The TRANSPORTER films require copious amounts of suspension of disbelief, but then again, one doesn't hope they will strictly adhere to the laws of physics. The third volume provides ample thrills, not the least of which is the sight of a car driving off a bridge onto a moving train. Plenty of screen time is also given to Statham's superhumanly chiseled torso, while freckled Rudakova's unconventional beauty balances out the sex appeal. In the end, Statham's undeniable likeability propels the film, and his chemistry in a handful of scenes with François Berleand, returning as Inspector Tarconi, provides some nice comic moments. [More]
Starring: Jason Statham, Robert Knepper, Francois Berleand, Natalya Rudakova
Starring: Jason Statham, Robert Knepper, Francois Berleand, Natalya Rudakova, Jeroen Krabbe, Alex Kobold, David Atrakchi, Yann Sundberg, Eriq Ebouaney, David Kammenos, Silvio Simac
Director: Olivier Megaton
Director: Olivier Megaton
Screenwriter: Luc Besson, Robert Mark Kamen
Producer: Luc Besson, Steven Chasman
Composer: Alexandre Azaria
Studio: Lions Gate Films
Reviews for Transporter 3
His misadventures are fun for us, too, as long as Megaton keeps the focus where it belongs: on the car chases and Corey Yuen-choreographed fight scenes. But then romance intrudes and ruins everything.
If things get much more dismal for the Transporter, he'll be running pizzas for Domino's.
The weakest in the series and a rare disappointment from French action movie producer Luc Besson.
Although Megaton's CGI fight scenes are as chopped up and incomprehensible as the current norm, he mostly avoids the Queasy-Cam and uses a stable camera while only the action moves. How about that.
More with these sequels is always less. The proportions haven't been right since 2002.
And if you're addicted to action, it will put you in adrenaline-freak heaven.
Statham has become something of a poor man's James Bond via this international action smorgasbord franchise, and frankly, I'm all for it.
...the Transporter movies work because they're stripped down and focused, moving fast and getting the job done, just like their on-screen hero...
Jason Statham gives action fans all they want, and then he is knifed in the back by his editor. What a putz!
I realized I had had my fill of the series right around the time Jason Statham was forced to perform a striptease in order to get the keys to his car."
Don't go expecting any plot. Any at all. Just look for some excellent action, a badass Jason Statham and a red-headed sexpot.
Seen the first two Transporter movies? Close your eyes and you can picture the third one. There, I just saved you $10.
Even a usually easy-to-please sneak preview audience reacted to the film's violations of physics and common sense with glum silence rather than the hoots and hollers that signify approval of the unlikely feats in James Bond and Indiana Jones films.
The first one was mediocre, the second was so bad I demanded my money back but the third one added in a few surprise elements and is one fun ride; no pun intended.
And yet, while the film is admittedly crap from start to finish, I personally found it to be a pretty entertaining piece of crap regardless of its numerous flaws
Yes, Jason Statham kicks some booty. Yes, he takes off his shirt many many times. Do you really need anything else from this review?
...Transporter 3 does manage to sporadically capture one's interest with its expectedly thrilling action sequences...
Latest News for Transporter 3
March 09, 2009:
RT on DVD: Rachel Getting Married, Milk Lead Super Fresh New Releases
Home video enthusiasts, prepare yourself for what may be the best week ever! This week you'll have to choose between Academy Award flicks Rachel Getting Married (Best Actress... More...
January 29, 2009:
Win a Transporter 3 Prize Pack!
To celebrate the release of Transporter 3, Rotten Tomatoes is very excited to give ten lucky readers the opportunity to capture some of that Statham cool. We have joined forces... More...
December 05, 2008:
UK Critics Consensus: Writers Warm to Madagascar 2; UK Critics Liked Lakeview Terrace
With thirteen new releases in the UK cinemas this weekend, let Rotten Tomatoes help you sort the tinsel from the turkeys. We have animals on the loose in Madagascar: Escape 2... More...
November 30, 2008:
Box Office Guru Wrapup: Four Christmases has a lot to be thankful for this weekend
Four Christmases had a sensational Thanksgiving weekend in the number one spot. Bolt picked up the pace while the sun started to set on Twilight. More...
More DVDs
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- Transporter 3 at Rotten Tomatoes
- Transporter 3 at IGN
Fresh Links
Featured

Techland examines the visual splendor of Peter Jackson's upcoming film.

Hollywood.com ponders whether or not an animated film could win Best Picture.

Get all the latest movie updates, reviews, interviews and features here.
Competitions

We're giving away a bunch of stuff from the upcoming Squeakquel.

We're giving away five copies of Tarantino's hit, with thanks to Universal. That's a bingo.



Top Critic


