Elite hit man Arthur Bishop (Statham) is usually able to carry out his missions with such clean precision that he has earned the title of a “mechanic.” A wrench is thrown into his methods, however, when his next assignment is Harry (Sutherland), his mentor and only companion.
When Harry’s screw–up son Steve (Foster) shows up looking for his father’s killer, Bishop takes it upon himself to act as a mentor for the troubled boy and to save him from a fate similar to his father’s. The two embark on a partnership of killing until their unlikely friendship causes them to become targets.
Director Simon West skillfully creates tension and suspense in an otherwise predictable film, using break–neck editing reminiscent of Guy Ritchie. Yet the film falters in its quieter moments. A few shots of Steve drunkenly roaming the streets with a cigarette dangling from his mouth are not enough to balance out all the noise. This is a glorified pulp–fest.
Fans of Statham will no doubt be appeased by The Mechanic. A violent but controlled character who is emotionally closed off, loves cars and has a penchant for gun fights is exactly what audiences expect.
Laymen too can find something to like in this remake of the 1972 Charles Bronson thriller. It delivers the kind of escapist, bullet–laden rollercoaster ride that is hard not to be entertained by. Yet as hard as it is not to become engaged with the film, it’s equally difficult to be impressed by it.
2.5 Stars
Directed by: Simon West Starring: Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Donald Sutherland Rated R, 92 min.
