Man on Wire traverses DVD just in time for Oscar season....

Early Oscar buzz in the documentary category has Man on Wire a strong contender for nomination. The riveting story of the great artist Philip Petit's (who is the Michael Jordan of high wire artists) walk across the traverse between the World Trade Center Towers in 1974 (on the same day the Nixon resigned office). Director James Marsh emphasizes the thriller aspect of the feat (thousands of pounds of equipment had to be smuggled past security) and the film has incredible footage not only from the WTC walk but also of Petit's other feats around the world. In addition, Director Marsh manages to pull of the trick of making Petit's feat suspensful while the audience is fully aware of the outcome of the event...

Jason Statham the Gene Kelly of Martial Arts shines in Transporter 3 (which is a French production by the way)...

Transporter 3 is the latest in the finest and most expertly made European Action Movies in cinema history. These films (concocted from the imagination of Luc Besson) star the most underrated film star in English language film, Jason Statham. Statham's acting in these films is the most entertaining and human acting in an action film since Sean Connery's salad days as 007. Like Connery, Staitharn has an animal grace under his well-tailored suits that is the source of real charisma and star quality. Having seen Quantum of Solace and Transporter 3 back to back I have to say that Statham has more authority and athleticism than current 007 Daniel Craig.


As usual, the plot concerns the transport of a package. There is a stab at ecological awareness with regard to the narrative (something the film share's with the recent 007 film). But, in the end, these films are not plot driven and the enjoyment of them rests squarely on Statham's rugged shoulder's.

Despite Staitharn's electrifying performance, Transporter 3 is not as fresh or memorable as the first two entries in the series. Worst of all, Statham is saddled with an especially out of tune female lead played by Natalya Rudokova. This is not enough, to wreck the enjoyment of the movie. Indeed, the set pieces and fight choreography (done with the usual wit and aplomb of Corey Yeun) are equal to anything in cinema today.

The film ends with some sense of closure and it remains to be seen if Statham won't set out for greener cinematic pastures as his star rises. I can't think of a good actor with a better sense of athleticism and the ability to be convincing in fight scenes than Statham. Hopefully, he will continue to treat film audiences to his expertise.