Jason Statham returns as the world’s most reputable chauffeur, but this time his Audi can apparently defy physics. Transporter 2 trades gritty European thrills for sun-drenched Miami absurdity. Consequently, it delivers some of the most gloriously impossible action sequences of the 2000s. Frank Martin is back, and his rules have never been more spectacularly broken.
Detailed Summary
Frank’s New Life in Miami
Frank Martin has relocated to Miami, Florida. He now works as a temporary driver for the wealthy Billings family. His main charge is their young son, Jack, with whom he has developed a friendly bond.
He takes Jack for a medical check-up. However, Frank is immediately suspicious of the new “doctor” and his heavily armed receptionist.
The Kidnapping of Jack Billings
His suspicions prove correct when mercenaries, led by the deadly and scantily clad Lola, attempt to kidnap Jack. Frank uses his incredible combat skills to fight them off in the doctor’s office. Unfortunately, they eventually overpower him and successfully abduct the boy.
Frank returns to the Billings’ home, where he is blamed and becomes a suspect. He must go on the run to clear his name and rescue Jack himself.
The Virus and the Ruse
The kidnappers demand a ransom from Jack’s father, Jefferson Billings, who is a high-ranking US drug control official. Frank cleverly intercepts the ransom drop. He then confronts the kidnappers and rescues Jack with relative ease.
He soon discovers the kidnapping was a ruse. In reality, the true mastermind, Gianni Chellini, injected Jack with a deadly, fast-acting virus. His goal is for Jack to unknowingly infect his father, who will then infect everyone at an international anti-drug conference.
The Antidote and the Chase
Realizing the true danger, Frank rushes Jack to a hospital. There, he learns from one of the captured kidnappers that the only antidote is in Gianni’s possession. Frank then races to Gianni’s home to secure the cure.
This leads to a series of absurdly fantastic chase scenes. For instance, Frank uses a crane to scrape a bomb off the bottom of his Audi. Later, he must use a fire hose to incapacitate an entire SWAT team trying to arrest him.
Confrontation with Gianni
Frank tracks Gianni to a private jet preparing for takeoff. He manages to drive his car onto the runway and board the plane just as it departs. A brutal fight ensues inside the cramped aircraft.
During the confrontation, Gianni reveals he has the antidote and injects himself with the last of the virus, making himself a living bio-weapon. Ultimately, Frank defeats Gianni and his henchwoman Lola. He secures the antidote before the plane crash-lands in the ocean.
Movie Ending
The ending of Transporter 2 is a whirlwind of action and resolution. After a brutal fight aboard the private jet, Frank Martin kills Lola by kicking her onto a set of sharp-pointed bar equipment. He then battles Gianni, who has deliberately infected himself.
Frank manages to get the case containing the antidote vials. He then throws a struggling Gianni out of the plane’s open door. Frank crash-lands the jet into the ocean, where he is quickly rescued by Inspector Tarconi and the police.
In the final scene, Frank walks into the Billings’ home with the antidote. He gives the cure to the doctors, saving both Jack and his father. The family is reunited and safe, all thanks to Frank’s relentless pursuit of justice.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Transporter 2 does not have any post-credits scenes. Once the credits begin to roll, the film is officially over.
Type of Movie
Transporter 2 is a high-octane action thriller. In contrast to its predecessor, this sequel leans heavily into stylized, over-the-top action sequences that often defy the laws of physics.
Its tone is less gritty and more self-aware, embracing a sense of fun and spectacle. This makes it feel more like a live-action cartoon than a grounded crime thriller.
Cast
- Jason Statham – Frank Martin
- Alessandro Gassman – Gianni Chellini
- Amber Valletta – Audrey Billings
- Kate Nauta – Lola
- Matthew Modine – Jefferson Billings
- Jason Flemyng – Dimitri
- Keith David – Stappleton
- François Berléand – Inspector Tarconi
Film Music and Composer
The score for Transporter 2 was composed by Alexandre Azaria. He also composed the music for the third film in the series. Azaria’s score is a driving mix of electronic beats and orchestral tension.
It perfectly complements the film’s frenetic pace and non-stop action. Notable tracks create a sense of urgency during the car chases and add impact to the fight choreography.
Filming Locations
Transporter 2 was filmed almost entirely in and around Miami, Florida. This shift from the first film’s French Riviera setting provides a completely different visual palette. Locations like South Beach and luxurious waterfront mansions showcase a vibrant, sun-drenched aesthetic.
The bright, open environments of Miami allow for grander, more expansive action sequences compared to the tighter European streets of the original film. This location change is central to the sequel’s bigger and bolder feel.
Awards and Nominations
This film was not a major awards contender. It mainly received recognition for its stunt work and action sequences within genre-specific circles. Notably, it didn’t win or receive nominations from any major mainstream award bodies.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Jason Statham, a former competitive diver and martial artist, performed the majority of his own stunts and fight scenes.
- Director Louis Leterrier wanted to make the sequel more fun and less serious than the original. He intentionally pushed the action to be as outrageous as possible.
- The iconic scene where Frank’s car jumps between rooftops to dislodge a bomb was achieved using a combination of practical effects with a real car and CGI enhancement.
- Kate Nauta, who plays the villain Lola, was a professional model before being cast in the film. This was her debut acting role.
Inspirations and References
Transporter 2 does not draw inspiration from a specific book or true story. Instead, its primary influence is producer and co-writer Luc Besson’s signature style, found throughout his EuropaCorp studio’s productions.
These films, such as Taken and District 13, are known for their fast pace, stylized violence, and charismatic, highly skilled protagonists. Transporter 2 is a perfect example of this successful formula.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The DVD release of Transporter 2 includes a few deleted scenes. Most are short extensions of existing scenes, adding small bits of dialogue or action. One notable removed scene shows a brief moment of romantic tension between Frank and Audrey Billings, further complicating their dynamic.
There are no known alternate endings for the film. The finale with the plane crash and Frank delivering the cure was the intended conclusion from the start.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Transporter 2 is not an adaptation of a book. It is an original story created by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, who also wrote the first film.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Doctor’s Office Melee: Frank’s initial fight against Lola’s crew, showcasing his resourcefulness in a confined space.
- The Car Bomb Jump: The utterly absurd sequence where Frank drives his Audi off a parking garage, flips it in mid-air to scrape a bomb off on a crane, and lands safely.
- The Fire Hose Fight: Cornered in a warehouse, Frank uses a high-pressure fire hose as a makeshift weapon to neutralize an entire SWAT team.
- The Jet Fight: The climactic battle inside a nosediving private jet, pushing the action to its most ridiculous and entertaining extreme.
Iconic Quotes
- Frank Martin: “Rule number one: Never change the deal.”
- Lola: “You said you have a big gun. You’re not going to show it to me?”
- Inspector Tarconi: “I’m on vacation. Do I look like I’m on vacation?”
- Frank Martin: “Didn’t your mother ever teach you to say ‘thank you’?”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Audi A8 W12: The film serves as a feature-length advertisement for the Audi A8 L W12. Its features, like the fingerprint scanner ignition, are heavily showcased.
- Inspector Tarconi’s Return: The appearance of François Berléand as Inspector Tarconi is a direct link to the first film, serving as a familiar face for returning fans.
- Subtle Wardrobe Clues: Lola is almost always seen wearing minimal clothing and high heels, even in combat situations. This visual choice emphasizes her femme fatale archetype and the film’s highly stylized nature.
Trivia
- The film’s theatrical release date in the United States was the Friday before Labor Day, intentionally timed to be a last-blast summer action movie.
- The name of the main villain, Gianni Chellini, is likely a nod to Italian footballer Giorgio Chiellini.
- Despite the Miami setting, some interior scenes were filmed in France to accommodate Luc Besson’s production schedule.
- Jason Statham trained extensively in Wing Chun, karate, and kickboxing to prepare for the film’s intricate fight choreography.
Why Watch?
Watch Transporter 2 for its unapologetic commitment to pure, exhilarating escapism. If you crave ridiculously inventive action and don’t mind a plot that serves the spectacle, this film delivers. It is a masterclass in stylish, gravity-defying fun.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Transporter (2002)
- Unleashed (2005)
- The Incredible Hulk (2008)
- Clash of the Titans (2010)
- Now You See Me (2013)
