The Mechanic

Welcome to the first Lights....Camera....Popcorn! review of 2011.

Today's review is The Mechanic. Directed by Simon West. Written by Richard Wenk & Lewis John Carlino. Screen story by Lewis John Carlino.

Review #101

MPAA Rating: R for strong brutal violence throughout, language, some sexual content and nudity.

Runtime: 93 min

Cast

Jason Statham - Arthur Bishop

Ben Foster - Steve McKenna

Tony Goldwyn - Dean

Donald Sutherland - Harry McKenna


Action movies for the most part are cut from the same cloth. Their purpose is to entertain without any interference from reality. Every once in a while an action film tries to break new ground and introduce rational thinking in a genre where those rules don't apply. Sometimes it works but most times it doesn't. The Mechanic chooses to avoid the application of intelligence in what is basically a shoot em up style film.

Arthur Bishop is a hitman who specializes in "jobs" that require a delicate touch and stealth. After completing a very sensitive assignment he forms a bond with the son of his victim. He trains him to be a hitman while discovering that he was betrayed by the people who employ him.

This movie was as cut and dry as you can get. It doesn't waste time trying to execute poorly designed plot twists or convoluted narratives. This was the best part about this movie. It wasn't trying to be something it's not. Going into this, you're expected to see bullets flying, blood splattering and explosions. That's what you get here and it was pretty fun. At 93 minuets the film is lightning fast which plays nicely with the action. It's surprisingly innovative and fresh in a genre that has been there and done that more times that I can count.

Jason Statham is quietly improving his resume on action cinema. From his Transporter franchise to this, he's made his mark on tinseltown as a bonafide action star with acting chops to boot. Ben Foster does an nice job staying toe to toe with Statham as his prodigy. They have a nice chemistry together. The bottom line here was that this film gets to the point and gives you what you want to see. As much as I complain that action movies need to have more substance to it, this one pulls off not doing that rather well.

On the 5 star scale. The Mechanic gets 3 stars with a split "Give it a shot/Netflix it" recommendation.

That's a wrap for today. Up next is I Am Number Four.

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"