Movie review: Transporter: The Series

Ex special operative Frank Martin has left the service and is now working on the other side of the law as a transporter. With only three rules, Frank is known for getting the job done well and on time, regardless of circumstances.

Chris Vance (Frank), Francois Berleand (Inspector Tarconi), Charly Hubner (Dieter), Violante Placido (Caterina), Andrea Osvart (Carla), Mark Rendall (Jules), Delphine Chaneac (Juliette).

Transporter: The Series begins well enough with some good car chases and focus, violence and action, bits of comedy, and lovely ladies. Though largely unrelated, the episodes held interest well and were fairly entertaining. Then comes season 2. Frank's mechanic, friend, and much of the comedy relief in the series, Dieter, is killed off. Then Carla, his technical assistant, is removed along with much of the sexuality and subtext of the series. This also marks the decrease, almost elimination, of car chases and an apparent refocus of the series on espionage and drama. Sadly, we were happy to see the end of season 2 as the series wasn't at all what it was originally, nor as it was apparently intended.

Acting was actually quite enjoyable for much of the first two seasons. Vance did a nice job, appearing almost lethargic until it was time for action, where he really shined well. Berleand was enjoyable despite his small role. Osvart was very enjoyable in the first season, bringing good emotional elements to the series. She was replace by Placido in the second season, who also did fairly well. Hubner was a lot of fun and missed in season 2.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good in the series, but obviously better in season 1. Action scenes were nicely done with some good car chases and fights in season 1, much less in season 2. Dialogue was decent with nice depth. Sound and soundtrack were mild but good.

The reality of Transporter: The Series is that season 1 was good, season 2 not so much. If you can walk away from a series, enjoy car chases and intense fighting, and like a dose of mystery, you should enjoy this one.

With plenty of violence, some blood, foul language, drug use, sexuality, and graphic nudity, save this one for adults and above.

Released: 2014
Reviewed: 2.9.16
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Crime thriller, Crime TV shows, Crime Action & Adventure, Crime Action, TV series

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel