Not-so-special delivery

The Transporter 2 is a lot of fun as far as Westernized kung fu movies with balding British actors who never smile go. Directed by Louis Letterier, produced and co-written by Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita, The Professional) and with fights choreographed by Cory Yuen, this follow-up to 2002’s The Transporter, plays like a late ’40s B-movie with 2005 cutting-edge production values. It is exciting and visceral, if not quite Oscar material.

Jason Statham, a one-time diver who, according to his bio, was once ranked 12th in the world, reprises his role as Frank Martin. After relocating from the French Mediterranean to Miami, Frank takes a job as a favor to a friend. Instead of transporting dangerous cargo — human or otherwise — Frank is driving young Jack Billings (Hunter Clary) to and from school.

What appeared to be a walk on the beach, takes a familiar turn when Jack is kidnapped on Frank’s watch. Not one to let his cargo get away from him, Frank discovers what appeared to be a kidnapping is actually the core of a plot to spread a deadly virus.

The Transporter 2 is one of those movies where it is best to leave your brain at the door and proceed to your seat with popcorn and soda firmly in hand. There are plot and logic holes the size of Idaho. One problem is Frank’s relationship with Jack. In the beginning, the film establishes a special bond between the two yet, by the end, they barely have any contact. There is also a scene where the seemingly streetwise Frank catches on to danger about as fast as you or I.

Despite its shortcomings, The Transporter 2 works quite well on several levels. Kind of like The Matrix without the pretentious sci-fi and Keanu Reeves (other films should be so lucky), this film makes optimal use of stylish violence to stunning effect. No doubt under the influence of Besson, the film is packed with visual flourishes and moves about a mile a minute. Needless to say, the stunts are breathtaking.

Is it a classic? Hardly. But it’s fun to watch and, at less than 90 minutes, doesn’t even come close to outstaying its welcome.

The Transporter 2
PG-13
In area theatres Thursday
Two and a half out of four

Recommended Rental

Fever Pitch
R
Available Tuesday

Something happened to Fever Pitch, which is adapted from Nick Hornby’s novel about an obsessed soccer fan. Transplanted to U.S. and written where the hapless Red Sox lose the World Series yet again, the team goes and wins the whole shebang last year. The Farrelly brothers, who were not only the directors but lifelong Sox fans, wisely decided to go with the flow. Ben (Jimmy Fallon) is a devoted fan of the club who must choose between two loves when he meets Lindsey (Drew Barrymore), a terrific gal who is as obsessed with work as Ben is with baseball. Not one of the brothers’ best, but the movie has charm and laughs to spare.