The Transporter (2002)

The Transporter has three strict rules and breaks all of them almost immediately, which is a fun way of admitting the rules were never the point. The plot is a wet paper bag: a client with a grudge, a shipping container hiding a terrible secret, a woman in a duffel bag, and a final act that’s mostly yelling on a highway. Shu Qi spends half the movie being carried around like a parcel. None of it matters once Jason Statham starts fighting. He takes on a bus depot full of goons while sliding around in spilled oil, at one point with bicycle pedals strapped to his feet, and it’s inventive enough to forgive the rest. François Berléand’s inspector, who just wants a friendly coffee with Frank, is the secret charm. It’s 92 minutes and plays even shorter. A 5.8 because Statham is a born action star in a movie that barely bothered to be one. $3,208 says you make up three rules for your car this week and break one by Friday.

What works: Jason Statham’s fights are inventive and fun, especially the oil-slicked brawl in the bus depot.

What doesn’t: The plot is flimsy and forgettable, and Shu Qi’s character is mostly there to be rescued and explained to.

Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a lean, silly action movie built around one guy’s fists and one very clean car.