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Taxi 2
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| Taxi 2 | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Gérard Krawczyk |
| Written by | Luc Besson |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Thierry Guilmaro |
| Edited by | Thierry Hoss |
| Music by |
|
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | ARP Sélection |
Release date |
|
Running time | 88 minutes |
| Country | France |
| Language | French |
| Budget | $10.5 million[1] |
| Box office | $64.4 million[1] |
Taxi 2 (French: Taxi Deux) is a 2000 French action comedy film directed by Gérard Krawczyk and released in March 2000. Starring Samy Naceri, Frédéric Diefenthal and Marion Cotillard, it is the second installment in the Taxi film series. It is a sequel to Taxi (1998), written by Luc Besson and directed by Gérard Pirès in 1999. It was followed by Taxi 3 (2003) in January 2003.
A video game adaptation was released by Ubi Soft, also in 2000.
Plot
[edit]A Japanese minister of defence is traveling to Paris to sign a weapons contract between Japan and France, but first, he is visiting Marseille to view and rate the city police's anti gang tactics (using fake attacks on him).
During the visit, however, he is kidnapped by a group working for the Japanese yakuza. Emilien (Frédéric Diefenthal) is determined to rescue the minister and detective Petra (Emma Sjöberg), his girlfriend who was also kidnapped, and restore the honour of his department. Once again, speed demon taxi driver Daniel (Samy Naceri) is called upon to save the day with his high speed driving skills.
Also with the Peugeot, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI is also featured as a star car driven by the yakuza.
Cast
[edit]- Samy Naceri as Daniel Morales
- Frédéric Diefenthal as Émilien Coutant-Kerbalec
- Marion Cotillard as Lilly Bertineau
- Emma Sjöberg as Petra
- Bernard Farcy as Commissaire Gérard Gibert
- Jean-Christophe Bouvet as Général de division Edmond Bertineau
- Frédérique Tirmont as Mme Bertineau
- Tsuyu Shimizu as Yuli
- Édouard Montoute as Alain Trésor
- Ko Suzuki as Katano
- Yoshi Oida as Yuki Tsumoto
- Jean-Louis Schlesser as himself
Production
[edit]Development
[edit]
Production started immediately after the massive success of the first film in the theaters, but this time Besson wanted to up his share of the split with the production company ARP to 70/30 from 50/50. Lead of ARP and Besson's friend Pétin grit his teeth, as he had carried the first project, but he agreed. The director of the first film Gérard Pirès was replaced by Gérard Krawczyk, who detractors say was more controllable, but who responded back stating he did what he wanted without needing to respect the scenarios laid by Besson.[2]
Cameraman death
[edit]On Monday, August 16, 1999, only two weeks into filming, Boulevard de l'Amiral-Bruix was closed to traffic for the length between Porte Dauphine and Porte Maillot. The Peugeot 406 had to come speeding out of the tunnel, head on to the springboard, jump over two AMX-30 tanks and land on a bed of boxes and mattresses. After an unsuccessful first try, the stunt coordinator Rémy Julienne with 35 years of experience and credit of 4000 films including six James Bond films, decided to increase the incline of the springboard a bit and also up the car's running speed. On the second take, the taxi took off faster and higher, landing a few meters further than expected, hitting the 41-year-old cameraman Alain Dutartre, his assistant and a third person. Dutartre died a few hours later in the hospital. The assistant had both of his legs broken. Besson was in Los Angeles at the time and was contacted immediately. He flew to the set, where detectives were already investigating the matter. Filming had to continue, but did so in a somber mood.[2]
In June 2002, Luc Besson was summoned to court.[2] Authorities alleged safety was compromised in an effort to cut costs.[3] The stunt coordinator Rémy Julienne was given a one-year suspended jail sentence, and fined €13,000. Luc Besson, Grenet and director Gerard Krawczyk were initially cleared of charges.[4] But the Paris Court of Appeal reversed the ruling in June 2009, and EuropaCorp was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, and ordered to pay €100,000. Julienne's jail sentence was reduced to six months, and his fine was reduced from €13,000 to €2,000, but he was required to pay the Dutartre family €50,000 in court costs.
Reception
[edit]Box office
[edit]The film opened in Marseille, France on 25 March 2000 on nine screens and had 17,800 admissions.[5] Opening nationwide on a record 830 screens on 29 March 2000, the film set an opening day and week record in France. It had 759,512 admissions on opening day, beating the record set by Asterix and Obelix vs. Caesar, and over 3 million admissions for the week, beating the record set by The Visitors II: The Corridors of Time.[6][5] It went on to have 10.3 million admissions in France (the highest for the year) and 5 million in 37 other countries worldwide.[7][8] It also had good TV ratings with 10 million viewers on TF1.[8]
Critical response
[edit]Neil Smith, reviewing the film for BBC, gave it two stars out of five and writes that it's a "virtual reprise of the 1998 French box-office smash" and while "there's very little of merit in this tongue-in-cheek actioner, it at least delivers the requisite amount of high-octane thrills."[9]
Sequel
[edit]A sequel titled Taxi 3, was released in 2003.
Video games
[edit]A video game based on the movie was published by Ubi Soft and released in France only in 2000 for the PC, Dreamcast (both versions developed by Blue Sphere Games), PlayStation (developed by DC Studios) and Game Boy Color (developed by Visual Impact).[10][11]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Taxi 2 (2000)". JP's Box-Office. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
- ^ a b c Carrière, Christophe (7 April 2018). "Luc Besson et la saga Taxi (épisode 2)". L'Express. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
- ^ "Besson investigated for film death". BBC News. 5 June 2002.
- ^ "'James Bond' stuntman convicted over film shoot death - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos". Archived from the original on 2013-02-21. Retrieved 2012-12-20.
- ^ a b Nesselson, Lisa (3 April 2000). "Film reviews: Taxi 2". Variety. p. 35.
- ^ Meaux St Marc, Francoise (7 April 2000). "Taxi 2 grabs record 3 million admits in five days". Screen International. p. 27.
- ^ Groves, Don (19 February 2001). "'Hannibal' appeals to all tastes o'seas". Variety. p. 12.
- ^ a b Lemercier, Fabien (28 June 2006). "Taxi franchise gets into gear". Cineuropa. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
- ^ Smith, Neil (9 July 2001). "Taxi 2 (2000)". BBC. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
- ^ "Taxi 2 (2000)". MobyGames. Retrieved 2022-06-04.
- ^ "Taxi 2". Nintendo Life. 2021-05-19. Retrieved 2022-06-04.
External links
[edit]- Taxi 2 at IMDb
- Taxi 2 at Rotten Tomatoes
- Taxi 2 at Box Office Mojo
Taxi 2
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Story and characters
Plot
The film opens in Marseille, where taxi driver Daniel, a returning character known for his exceptional driving skills from previous adventures, rushes a pregnant woman to the hospital in his modified Peugeot 406, deftly navigating past an ongoing auto race.[1] Meanwhile, police inspector Emilien, Daniel's bumbling and incompetent partner from prior escapades, finally passes his driving test after 27 failed attempts, highlighting his persistent struggles with basic vehicular control.[1] Emilien's laid-back yet skilled friend Daniel contrasts sharply with his own hapless nature, forming the core of their unlikely duo's dynamic, driven by mutual reliance in high-stakes situations.[7] As a Japanese minister of defense arrives in Marseille to observe the local police's anti-gang demonstrations, including a rehearsed showcase with a prototype Super-Peugeot to impress the visitor, Emilien is assigned to provide security.[8] However, the minister is kidnapped by a gang of yakuza members disguised as ninjas, who seek to disrupt the minister's visit ahead of a Franco-Japanese summit.[1][2] Complicating the crisis, Emilien's girlfriend, fellow officer Petra, is also abducted during the botched protection detail, underscoring the police force's inefficiency and Emilien's personal stakes in the rescue.[7] Motivated by his romantic attachment to Petra and a desire to redeem his department's honor, Emilien enlists Daniel's aid, leveraging the taxi driver's superior handling of high-speed pursuits.[9] The duo embarks on a relentless chase from Marseille to Paris, employing Daniel's souped-up taxi for daring maneuvers that outpace the kidnappers' vehicles, including narrow escapes through city streets, evading police barricades, and pursuing the kidnappers after they parachute from a cargo plane over the city.[10][1] Along the way, they receive limited support from Daniel's fiancée Lilly's father, a high-ranking military officer, who provides tactical insights but emphasizes the operation's unofficial nature.[1] The pursuit builds tension through a series of comedic yet perilous encounters, such as multi-car pile-ups on a Paris freeway and improvised stunts, poking fun at bureaucratic red tape and Emilien's recurring mishaps behind the wheel.[11][1] The romantic subplot between Emilien and Petra adds emotional depth, with Emilien confessing his love amid the chaos, while Daniel's cool demeanor keeps the team focused on the mission.[1] The climax unfolds at a vast, empty warehouse in Paris, where the yakuza hold the hostages in a fortified lair. Daniel and Emilien infiltrate the site, combining high-octane driving sequences—crashing through barriers and using the taxi as a weapon—with hand-to-hand combat against the ninja-clad foes, blending karate stereotypes with slapstick humor.[1] In a suspenseful finale, they overpower the gang leader, rescue the minister and Petra, and expose the plot, restoring a semblance of order while lampooning the yakuza's over-the-top villainy against the backdrop of French law enforcement's comedic shortcomings.[7]Cast
The principal cast of Taxi 2 (2000) features returning leads from the original Taxi (1998), delivering high-energy performances centered on the film's action-comedy tone. Samy Naceri reprises his role as Daniel Morales, the brash and skilled Marseille taxi driver whose daredevil driving skills drive the narrative's chase sequences.[12] His portrayal emphasizes Daniel's street-smart charisma and loyalty to friends, building on his breakout performance in the first film.[13] Frédéric Diefenthal returns as Émilien Coutant-Kerbalec, the bumbling yet earnest police inspector who relies on Daniel's expertise to navigate crises. Diefenthal's comedic timing highlights Émilien's awkwardness in high-stakes situations, contrasting Naceri's intensity.[12] Marion Cotillard also reprises her role as Lilly Bertineau, Daniel's devoted girlfriend, in one of her early major film appearances before her international acclaim. Her performance adds emotional warmth and subtle humor to the romantic subplot.[14] Emma Wiklund (credited as Emma Sjöberg) portrays Petra, Émilien's confident and athletic girlfriend, bringing a dynamic presence to the supporting ensemble with her physicality in action scenes.[12]| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Samy Naceri | Daniel Morales | Reprising the fast-driving taxi protagonist from Taxi (1998).[12] |
| Frédéric Diefenthal | Émilien Coutant-Kerbalec | Returning clumsy inspector partnering with Daniel.[13] |
| Marion Cotillard | Lilly Bertineau | Daniel's girlfriend, marking an early role in Cotillard's career.[14] |
| Emma Wiklund | Petra | Émilien's girlfriend, introduced in this sequel.[12] |
Production
Development
Following the commercial success of the 1998 film Taxi, development of its sequel proceeded rapidly, with Luc Besson returning to write the screenplay.[3] Besson's script introduced a yakuza-themed plot, replacing the original's focus on German car thieves with international villains kidnapping a Japanese defense minister during his visit to France, thereby escalating the stakes and incorporating more global elements.[2] This conceptual shift aimed to build on the first film's action-comedy formula while amplifying the spectacle through larger-scale chases and confrontations.[16] Gérard Krawczyk was brought on as director, succeeding Gérard Pirès from the original, due to Krawczyk's prior experience in action-oriented projects and his professional relationship with Besson.[17] The production was handled by Besson's Leeloo Productions, which had overseen the first film.[3] The budget for Taxi 2 was set at 70 million French francs (approximately $10.3 million USD), an increase that enabled more elaborate stunts and vehicle sequences compared to the predecessor.[3][12] This financing came primarily from Leeloo Productions, reflecting Besson's strategy to position the sequel as a major French blockbuster.[17]Filming
Principal photography for Taxi 2 primarily occurred in Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône, France, where the majority of the urban chase sequences were captured to leverage the city's dynamic street environments. Additional filming took place in Paris, France, for key action set pieces.[18] The production schedule spanned from August to October 1999, allowing time for extensive location shoots and stunt preparations. This period emphasized practical effects over computer-generated imagery, enabling authentic depictions of vehicle dynamics and collisions through real-world execution.[18][19] Stunt coordination centered on high-speed car sequences featuring heavily modified Peugeot 406 vehicles, which were purpose-built for performance and safety. Professional rally drivers, including Jean Ragnotti and Jean-Louis Schlesser, handled the driving duties, performing drifts, jumps, and pursuits at speeds exceeding typical cinematic limits to heighten realism.[15][20] The technical crew, led by cinematographer Gérard Sterin under director Gérard Krawczyk, prioritized dynamic camera techniques such as Steadicam and vehicle-mounted rigs to fluidly track the action, replacing the more erratic style of the predecessor with smoother, immersive visuals.[20][2]Cameraman death
During the production of Taxi 2 in Paris's 16th arrondissement on August 17, 1999, cameraman Alain Dutartre, aged 41, was fatally struck by a stunt vehicle while filming a high-speed chase sequence. The incident occurred when a modified Peugeot 406, driven by veteran stunt coordinator Rémy Julienne, emerged from the Porte Dauphine tunnel, jumped over three simulated army tanks, and overshot its intended landing into a pile of cardboard boxes, crashing into the camera crew positioned nearby.[21][17][22] Dutartre sustained massive head injuries and died hours later in the hospital; his 26-year-old assistant, Jean-Michel Bar, suffered two broken legs, while a third crew member, the car's driver, also received serious injuries.[22][23] French authorities immediately initiated an investigation into the accident, classifying it as a case of potential involuntary manslaughter. Police questioned director Gérard Krawczyk in July 2004 and producer Luc Besson in June 2002 as part of the probe, focusing on safety measures during the stunt.[23][17][22] Julienne was placed under official investigation for manslaughter in April 2002.[22] In the initial trial in September 2007, Julienne received a six-month suspended prison sentence and a €10,000 fine, while Krawczyk was acquitted of charges. On appeal, a Paris court in June 2009 found EuropaCorp, the production company, guilty of involuntary manslaughter due to safety violations, including pressure to shorten the shooting schedule for cost savings; the company was fined €100,000 and ordered to pay €60,000 in damages to Dutartre's family. Julienne's sentence was reduced to a €2,000 fine, with no further criminal convictions against the director or producers.[24][25][26] The incident underscored the vulnerabilities of camera operators in proximity to high-risk stunts, where such personnel have historically outnumbered stunt performers in on-set fatalities by a 4-to-1 ratio, prompting renewed industry discussions on bolstering safety protocols for action filming.[27]Music
Original score
The original score for Taxi 2 was composed by Al Khemya.[15] The music features a mix of electronic and orchestral tracks tailored to the film's action sequences, including high-energy themes that drive the adrenaline-fueled car chases and tense motifs that build suspense in the yakuza confrontation scenes. Scored in post-production during 1999, the compositions were integrated into the editing process to sharpen the overall pacing and rhythmic flow of the narrative. The score's distinctive style fuses French electronic music influences with subtle Asian-inspired sonic elements, echoing the plot's yakuza storyline and enhancing the cultural contrast in the comedy-action hybrid. Licensed songs appear alongside these original cues to amplify key moments.Soundtrack
The soundtrack for Taxi 2 consists of a compilation album featuring licensed French hip-hop tracks that underscore the film's fast-paced action and comedic elements. Titled Taxi 2, the album by the hip-hop collective One Shot—formed by the French group IAM for the Taxi film series—was released on November 20, 2000, by Virgin Records as a CD compilation containing 16 tracks primarily in the hip-hop genre, recorded and mixed at Studio La Cosca in Marseille and mastered at Translab in Paris.[28][29] Key featured artists include Disiz La Peste, Faf Larage, Taïro, Nuttea, Jalane, and Vasquez Lusi, with standout tracks such as the collaborative opener "Millénaire" (performed by Disiz La Peste, Vasquez Lusi, Faf Larage, Taïro, Nuttea, and Jalane), "Danse Dessus" by Faf Larage, and "Lettre Ouverte" by Disiz La Peste featuring Jalane. These songs mix rhythmic beats and lyrical flows to reflect the film's urban Marseille setting and high-energy vibe.[28][30] In the film, the tracks are prominently integrated into sequences like the opening credits, exhilarating car chases, and closing credits, heightening tension and excitement while aligning with the movie's youthful, street-smart tone. The soundtrack complements the original score by Al Khemya, creating a cohesive auditory experience that blends pre-existing hits with bespoke music.[30] The album's commercial release capitalized on the film's success, reinforcing Taxi 2's cultural relevance among young audiences through its showcase of emerging hip-hop talent.[31]Release
Marketing
The marketing campaign for Taxi 2 was extensive and timed to coincide with French school vacations in spring 2000, aiming to capitalize on family outings and youth attendance to surpass the box office performance of the 1998 original.[32] Promotional efforts centered on the film's action-comedy elements, with trailers showcasing high-octane car chases involving the modified Peugeot 406 taxi and humorous buddy dynamics between the lead characters.[33] These trailers were distributed through theaters and television to generate buzz ahead of the March release.[34] A key component was the prominent product placement and tie-in with Peugeot, whose vehicles were integral to the storyline and stunts.[35] Media promotions in France included television advertisements and posters prominently displaying the yellow taxi, emphasizing the sequel's escalated action sequences and returning cast.[36] The campaign targeted young adults drawn to the action-comedy genre, leveraging the first film's success.[35] Internationally, marketing remained limited, prioritizing the domestic French market with subsequent releases in select European countries like Belgium; efforts focused on the core audience in France rather than broad global outreach.[37]Box office
Taxi 2 achieved significant commercial success, particularly in its home market of France, where it attracted 10,345,901 admissions during its theatrical run. This figure outperformed the original Taxi film's 6,641,000 admissions, establishing the sequel as a major box office hit and ranking it among the highest-grossing French films of all time at release. The film opened on March 29, 2000, across 830 screens, capitalizing on spring holiday timing to draw large audiences. The film's debut set multiple records in France, including the highest opening day with 759,152 admissions and the strongest opening week with 3,478,850 admissions.[3] These figures surpassed previous benchmarks set by blockbusters like Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, though Titanic held the record for the largest overall opening weekend at the time. Produced on a budget of approximately FRF 70 million (equivalent to about $10.5 million), Taxi 2 quickly recovered its costs through domestic earnings alone, contributing to its profitability. Internationally, Taxi 2 performed strongly in Europe, generating the bulk of its overseas revenue, but had a limited U.S. release that earned just $626,164.[5] The film ultimately grossed $60,726,164 worldwide, with international markets accounting for $60,100,000.[5] This total underscored the sequel's appeal in French-speaking and European territories, where it benefited from the franchise's established popularity.Reception
Critical response
Taxi 2 received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its high-energy action sequences and comedic elements while criticizing its formulaic storyline and reliance on ethnic stereotypes. The film's thrilling car chases and stunt work were frequently highlighted as strengths, providing fast-paced entertainment that built on the original's success, though many noted a lack of narrative depth compared to the 1998 predecessor directed by Gérard Pirès. Under Gérard Krawczyk's direction, the sequel was seen as amplifying the spectacle but diluting the charm, with reviewers often comparing it unfavorably in terms of originality and character development.[1] In the UK, Neil Smith of the BBC awarded it 2 out of 5 stars, acknowledging the "high-octane thrills" and tongue-in-cheek action but lamenting the absence of substantial merit beyond its reprises of the first film's formula. Similarly, Peter Bradshaw in The Guardian gave it 3 out of 5 stars, describing it as an "entertaining high-speed romp" evoking campy James Bond films, though he pointed to its lightweight plot as a limitation. French critics were somewhat more divided; on Allociné, the press score averaged 2.8 out of 5 based on 15 reviews, with praise for the sequel's energetic humor and effective vehicle scenes but criticism for low-brow gags, vulgar dialogue, and anti-Japanese racism.[39][40][41] Internationally, Rotten Tomatoes aggregates limited critic reviews without establishing a Tomatometer score as of 2025, reflecting the film's modest critical footprint outside France. Taxi 2 received no major award nominations, though Marion Cotillard won Best New Actress at the 2000 Cabourg Romantic Film Festival for her supporting role.[6][42]Audience reception
Taxi 2 achieved immense popularity in France upon its release, drawing over 10.3 million admissions and becoming the highest-grossing French film of 2000, as well as one of the top 20 highest-grossing films in French box office history.[43] This blockbuster performance, which included breaking records for opening day and first-week admissions with 3.48 million tickets sold, underscored its appeal to a broad audience, particularly younger viewers drawn to its high-energy action sequences and comedic elements.[4] Despite a modest average user rating of 2.0 out of 5 on AlloCiné from over 35,000 reviews, reflecting some criticism of its formulaic plot and over-the-top style, the film's enduring draw is evident in higher international audience metrics, such as a 6.5 out of 10 on IMDb from 62,000 users and 70% on Rotten Tomatoes' audience score.[44][12][6] Viewer feedback highlighted the film's success in delivering lighthearted entertainment, with fans frequently praising its blend of slapstick humor, adrenaline-fueled car chases, and relatable Marseille setting, which resonated strongly with French youth during the early 2000s. Common themes in user reviews include the exhilarating stunt work and witty one-liners that made it a go-to for group viewings and repeat watches.[45] Home video releases further amplified this, as DVD rentals and sales contributed to its status as a staple in French households, encouraging multiple viewings among families and friends.[46] Internationally, the film benefited from strong word-of-mouth in Europe, where it performed well in markets like Hungary, attracting 171,000 spectators in its first 10 days and solidifying the Taxi franchise's cross-border appeal through shared enthusiasm for its vehicular spectacle.[47] However, reception was more mixed in non-French markets outside Europe, where cultural nuances in the humor and dialogue often limited its resonance, though action enthusiasts appreciated the universal thrill of the pursuits.[48] Fans particularly cherished the on-screen chemistry between leads Samy Naceri as the cocky taxi driver Daniel and Frédéric Diefenthal as the inept cop Émilien, whose banter drove much of the comedy and formed a core duo beloved in the genre. The customized Peugeot 406 taxi emerged as an iconic symbol, inspiring fan recreations, model kits, and tributes that extended the film's cultural footprint. In retrospective assessments of 2000s French cinema, Taxi 2 frequently ranks among top action-comedies for its role in revitalizing the genre domestically.[45][49][50]Legacy
Video game adaptation
A video game adaptation of Taxi 2, titled Taxi 2: Le Jeu, was developed primarily by Blue Sphere Games and published by Ubisoft starting in 2000 as an exclusive European release. The Game Boy Color version was handled by developer Visual Impact.[51][52] It appeared on multiple platforms, including Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, Sega Dreamcast, and Game Boy Color, with initial releases in 2000 for Windows (June 22), Game Boy Color (June), and Dreamcast (November 30); the PlayStation port followed in May 2002.[53][54] The game is a racing and action title that recreates the film's emphasis on high-speed chases and vehicular antics through single-player missions inspired by the movie's plot. In story mode, players control Daniel's Peugeot 406 taxi across a series of timed objectives, such as delivering passengers or pursuing suspects, while monitoring a temperature gauge to avoid overheating the turbo boost. An arcade mode unlocks after completing the story, allowing free races against a rival driver like rally champion Jean-Louis Schlesser without the gauge mechanic.[53][55] The narrative is simplified from the film's events, prioritizing driving sequences over character development or full comedic elements, with only one playable vehicle and no reported customization options.[55] Reception was largely unfavorable, with reviewers highlighting subpar graphics, repetitive missions, and brief playtime—often under an hour for completion—as major flaws. The PlayStation version earned a 3/20 from JeuxVideo.com, which described it as one of the console's worst racing games due to pixelated textures, poor collision detection, and lack of replay value.[55] User ratings averaged 5.3/20 on the site, with complaints about abysmal handling and unoriginal content dominating feedback, though a minority praised its lighthearted film tie-in.[56] The PC port fared similarly on MobyGames, scoring 35% from critics and 1.9/5 from players for its monotonous driving physics.[53] The Dreamcast edition drew comparable critiques for boxy models and pop-in effects in retrospective analyses.[57]Cultural impact
Taxi 2 solidified the Taxi franchise's core formula of blending high-octane car chases, buddy-cop dynamics, and comedic elements centered around a modified Peugeot 406 taxi, which directly paved the way for the third installment, Taxi 3, released in 2003, and subsequent films including Taxi 4 (2007) and Taxi 5 (2018).[1] This structure emphasized accessible, youth-oriented entertainment that resonated with French audiences, establishing a template for subsequent entries in the series. The film's portrayal of the Peugeot 406, extensively modified for speed and stunts, elevated the vehicle to a cultural icon in France, symbolizing national automotive prowess and frequently referenced in discussions of cinematic cars.[58] The movie's influence extended to cultural references within French media, reflecting broader trends in Besson-produced action films that mixed stereotypes with high-energy action. It also shaped the landscape of 2000s French action-comedies by prioritizing visual spectacle and relatable humor over narrative depth, a hallmark of Luc Besson's production style evident in improved scripting, dynamic cinematography, and stunt work compared to the original.[1] In retrospective analyses as of 2025, Taxi 2 is credited with playing a key role in elevating emerging actors, particularly Marion Cotillard, who reprised her supporting role as Lilly Bertineau from the franchise's breakthrough entry, Taxi (1998), marking an early step in her rise to international prominence.[59] The film's enduring legacy includes extensions like a video game adaptation, maintaining its appeal through home media: DVD releases began in 2001, followed by Blu-ray editions, and ongoing streaming availability on platforms such as Netflix across Europe as of November 2025.[60][61] This accessibility has sustained a dedicated fanbase in France, underscoring the film's lasting place in popular culture.References
- https://www.[imdb](/page/IMDb).com/title/tt0183869/