Fast Convoy - Deadly Transport - Blu-ray

Content: Seven young men embark on a dangerous journey from Malaga to Paris to smuggle over a thousand kilos of cannabis in four fast speeders. For the men, this is actually a routine job, as they have successfully completed this tour several times before without being arrested at customs. But the fact that there is not also a bag full of coke in one of the cars makes the situation much more dangerous this time. The already tense atmosphere between the smugglers threatens to escalate when one of the drivers threatens to throw the bag full of coke out the window if he doesn't get more money. Through the resulting argument, they don't realize they're driving right into a police checkpoint. And through a brief moment of carelessness and a resulting lapse in judgment, what should be routine turns into a bloody car chase that soon has the men being chased by more than just the police.

With Fast Convoy, thriller specialist Frédéric Schoendoerffer has directed a tense action film that tries to offer more than just fast-paced car chases and plenty of lead- and tin-lined action. He also tries to make the men's fear of getting caught believable, as well as their motives for why they've gone off the rails and so desperately need the money they're getting for their illegal work. This is a bit risky, to be sure, as Schoendoerffer runs the risk of excusing the smuggling of drugs. But ultimately, it's more about showing how desperate the young criminals are for a chance at a better life.

To ascribe social critical relevance to the film, however, would be going too far. But at least the attempt to give the characters and the story some depth has to be appreciated. Because at least this way the already good tension at the beginning and the finale can be increased enormously. In the middle part, on the other hand, the focus on dialogue-heavy character moments rather makes for some lengths. Because the script just isn't strong enough to work without any action at all. Instead, the dialogues lack finesse. Far too often the usual clichés for this genre are served here, so that a little bit of boredom spreads here and there.

But whenever the tension curve drops steeply, Schoendoerffer always steps on the gas again at the last moment, preventing the viewer from completely losing interest in the story. Towards the end, the action and suspense pick up considerably until the whole thing culminates in a successful finale that can make up for some of the tamer moments. Sure, Fast Convoy isn't an outstandingly good movie, despite the successful last act. But solid entertainment, an atmospheric visual language and a few really gripping moments of suspense the home cinema premiere has to offer in any case. And for that, there is then also a more than deserved: worth seeing!

Picture + Sound: The Blu-ray's very clean picture is dominated by very earthy brown tones, giving the film a slightly dirty look that fits well with the atmosphere of the thriller. Contrasts are neatly matched and image sharpness is also at a good level. The sound offers a powerful DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that really lets it rip when the throttle is pressed or when gunfire ensues. Good.

Extras: As well as the trailer, there's a good making of (approx. 25 mins) which gives a pretty decent behind the scenes look at the action film.

Conclusion: Fast Convoy is a decent action thriller that provides very good entertainment, especially in its more fast-paced moments. The attempt to add some depth to the characters and story doesn't always work and makes for some unnecessary lengths. But overall, the film offers its target audience exactly what can be expected from such a film. Especially the last, very lead-filled act consoles over some weaknesses. The Blu-ray presents the film in good picture and sound quality and brings in the bonus material still a Making of worth seeing. Overall, there is a decent: Recommendable!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp