Transporter 2 - Solid sequel

I think it's fair to say that 9/10 sequels are nowhere near as good as the original.  Now, I'm not going to say that 'Transporter 2' is up there with those rarest of sequels such as 'Aliens' and 'The Empire Strikes Back' which are the absolute rarest of rare sequels, but it is a pretty good attempt at adding something new to its predecessor.

Okay, so that's actually a bit of a lie. 'Transporter 2' offers very little in the way of anything new.  In fact, it offers pretty much the same thing all over again.  However, if you enjoyed the first outing, simply copying it and then slightly changing a few of the major plot points is enough to create a sequel worthy to add to your collection.

The first film starred Jason 'The Stath' Statham as Frank Martin, a driver who specialises in taking on jobs for criminals where getting from one place to another in a hurry is well within the job description (and kicking the hell out of anyone who stands in his way).  However, as we join Frank at the beginning of the film, it looks like he's through with his dodgy dealings and has taken a much more safer job of driving a boy to school and back for his rich parents.  And, all's good... until the boy gets kidnapped, making Frank the only person with the skill-set to get him back.

I suppose there's a little more emotion on display here as there's a child's life at risk as the central theme.  However, I'm guessing that most people didn't sit down to watch any film in the 'Transporter' franchise for deep character development and emotional connections.  They want to see fast cars, sunny locations, great action and a truly psychotic chick shooting two machine guns at our balding hero as he tries to get the kid back.  And, I'm pleased to say that you get all that and more.  And it's all turned up to the max.

So many actions films made (roughly) after 2000 seem to be so serious (I can never forgive what they've done to the 'Bond' franchise!).  I get the impression that the makers of the 'Transporter' films know that everything that happens on screen is totally unbelievable and ridiculously over the top (in a kind of Roger Moore Bond film kind of way).  Therefore, there's a real element of tongue in cheek fun in everything that happens here.

You'll have seen it all before, but when a film is this simple and enjoyable, you can't help but find fun by spending an hour and a half in the company of a seemingly indestructible bald man and his god-like driving abilities.  And, if you're a fan of his humble 'Lock Stock...' beginnings, you'll also get a bonus kick out of seeing him reunite with fellow cast member Jason Flemyng.  Oh, and did I mention the crazy chick with the guns?  Kate Nauta - you steal the show!

8/10 The Force is definitely strong with this one