Film Review: Reboot of ‘Transporter’ series doesn’t deliver the goods

Recent reports indicate that under 7 percent of major studio releases are directed by women-the crisis in female directorship is so severe that the helmer of “The Transporter: Refueled,” a person called Camille Delamarre, is not a woman. Though, in the end, it’s a blessing to have a resume unmarred by this stinker.

Out to prove that reboots aren’t just for superheroes anymore, the fourth installment in the “Transporter” series has a younger version of titular hard man Frank Martin. The entire film might be an elaborate ruse by the agent for the star of the previous films, Jason Statham, to prove his client is a better thespian than we all thought. New boy Ed Skrein can’t act a lick but vaguely resembles Statham, if thicker of hair and snagglier of tooth.

The Transporter’s role is unchanged: to accept an envelope full of cash and get someone or something from point A to B, no questions asked. In this case, the someones are globetrotting hookers in blonde wigs who are intent on Robin Hooding the Russian pimp, Karasov, who held them in bondage. Each of their backstories is a variation on the theme: “I come from an impoverished village…”

Given the splashy yacht in which the villain shvitzes, these prostitutes are very expensive indeed. Karasov brands his women with trashy black-heart-and-dagger pendants that he apparently buys in bulk from Hot Topic outlets across the French Riviera. Actor Radivoje Bukvic provides a charming depiction of the Russian baddie in which nationality is conveyed by answering the phone with “Da,” then continuing in English.

The only person who seems to enjoy himself is Frank Senior (Ray Stevenson, the sole actor in possession of a natural smile).

For a retired spy, he is remarkably adept at getting himself kidnapped and forcing his son to come rescue him. Frank the Younger gets his father and new friends out of sticky situations in all sorts of ways, from weaponizing a shopping bag containing a jar of pate to finding a medical application for cobwebs.

But the most encouraging thing about the film is that the Transporter himself claims sometime soon his vehicle will “drive itself.” From Ed Skrein’s lips to God’s ears.

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“The Transporter: Refueled” is showing at the Sonoma 9 Cinemas. Rated PG-13. Running time 1:36. Visit www.cinemawest.com.