Taxi
- Rating:M
- Release Date:August 17, 2009
- Distributor:Umbrella
- The Film:3.5
- The Disc:1.0
While French actor Samy Naceri is now known for serving time as a convicted...
While French actor Samy Naceri is now known for serving time as a convicted felon, it was his starring role in Gerard Pires' first installment of the Taxi franchise that helped fuel his popularity. The film sees Daniel (Naceri), a pizza delivery driver, abandon his career and enter the world of taxi driving. A high speed ride with bumbling police officer Emilien (Frederic Diefenthal), however, sees Daniel brokering a deal to become Emilien's driver amidst a spate of bank robberies conducted by the German "Mercedes" gang.
Writer Luc Besson doesn't overwhelm on story, but rather implements it to help steer towards the next car chase. While series such as The Fast And The Furious have tried to cement themselves as cinema's stunt leaders, it is to Pires' credit that Taxi adopts a more refined approach. A reliance on special effects is avoided, with the smooth driving from popular stunt man Remy Julienne Troupe, and large vehicular destruction, taking centre stage. Sadly, however, you are left wanting more, and wishing that the sequences would continue. The script is nicely paced and light hearted, lending itself to some entertaining chemistry between the cast while preventing the film from overstaying its welcome.
