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Mechanic, The
Stars: Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Tony Goldwyn, Donald Sutherland, Jeff Chase, Mini Anden, James Logan, Eddie Fernandez, Joshua Bridgewater, John McConnell, Christa Campbell, Joel Davis, Mark Anthony Nutter, Ardy Brent Carlson, Lara Grice, Lance Nichols, J D Evermore, Ada Michelle Loridans
Director: Simon West
More a riff on Michael Winners 1972 thriller than a remake, with Statham in glowering action-man mode as the eponymous killer-for-hire seeking vengeance for the death of his close friend and mentor Sutherland. Enter Sutherlands revenge-seeking son Foster (not quite in the same action man league as Statham but with rather more hair even if not much of a dramatic range) who comes to Statham asking to be taught the tricks of the assassins trade.
Richard Wenk and John Lewis Carlino turn in a perfectly serviceable standard genre screenplay which is light on convincing characterisation - cardboard is the template here - but heavy on action, delivering a corny cornucopia of blood, bullets, wild car chases, punch-ups and noisy explosions to satisfy the stars demographic.
Its the kind of action movie which is best enjoyed with intellect in neutral in order to allow the adrenaline surge on offer and, to give him his due, director West doesnt stray from the path. Summation another standard Statham actioner.
Alan Frank
USA 2011. UK Distributor: Lionsgate Films. Colour.
92 minutes. Widescreen. UK certificate: 15.
Guidance ratings (out of 3): Sex/nudity 1, Violence/Horror 2, Drugs 0, Swearing 2.
Review date: 03 Feb 2011