Luc Besson’s career can best be described as a wild roller coaster that’s almost impossible to predict. Breakneck action, over-the-top martial arts and surprisingly deep stories are about the only constants which can be attached to the prolific writer/director of such hits as “The Professional,” “Fifth Element,” and “Unleashed.”

Admittedly, “Transporter 2” isn’t Besson’s best work. The first “Transporter” was a cult classic at best, using only a moderate portion of Besson’s acclaimed storytelling skills to execute the high-octane tale of a courier faced with a conscience crisis. For better or worse, “Transporter 2” offers more of the same material for audiences this time around.

The movie follows Frank Martin (Jason Statham), a methodical mercenary who usually makes his living ferrying high-risk packages (and people) through the streets in his souped-up Audi. The film opens with Frank assigned to drive a young boy named Jack Billings (Hunter Clary) to and from school every day. Frank and Jack have formed a bond, one that is appreciated by the boy’s mother, Audrey (Amber Valletta).

Mr. Billings (Matthew Modine), Jack’s distant father, is a government official with strong ties to the war on drugs. Soon, Jack is kidnapped, and Frank must thwart a plot to release a biological agent into an anti-drug conference.

There is admittedly a little bit more plot than the first film, but this time, the story works against the film. Like the first film, “Transporter 2” boasts stellar car chases and smooth fight sequences.

Much of the plot, revolving around the scheme of villain Gianni (Alessandro Gassman), serves very little purpose. The audience will become aware of Gianni’s plan at the midpoint of the movie, but so much time is spent hashing out the details that even Frank’s screen time suffers.

Statham is a great actor who can push a rare combination of personality and performance. Coupled with excellent choreography, the action sequences are a thrill, until the final confrontation between Frank and Gianni.

“Transporter 2” remains a worthy follow-up to the 2002 film. Many of the themes and characters of the first film are in play, and everything seems to run as clockwork except the movie’s plot. While the first movie suffered from a lack of plot, “Transporter 2” suffers an excess. Far from perfect, “Transporter 2” is a good rental for action film fans, but the title should only be approached at the theater by fans of Statham, Besson or the first cult classic.