The bad guys can never just let a man retire and so with
that we have Jason Statham’s return as The
Mechanic (2011), in this sequel entitled Mechanic: Resurrection. Despite suffering from a rather formulaic
plot, it still ends up being a solid popcorn flick that delivers large scale
production values and loads of action. Arthur Bishop has been hiding out for
several months and is discovered by someone from his past, who forces him to
perform three difficult assassinations and have them look like accidents.
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My boobs are VERY serious right now.
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There is nothing new story wise in this one, as the plot is
just a vehicle for Statham to deliver some action. And he more than delivers with
impressive and crazy looking stunts, tons of violence and fight scenes,
explosions, and a high body count. The action sequences are all filmed and
edited very well, never feeling too choppy or overly edited. You can tell that
Statham is performing most of the action and they leave the camera on him long
enough to show what he can do. At the age of 49, he is still a formidable
action superstar.
The overall production values are simply outstanding. The
plot takes them around the globe, shooting in the exotic locales of Brazil,
Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, and Bulgaria. It provides for some stunning
scenic shots and interesting looking locations. The set designs are also nice
and of high quality, containing some expensive yachts and other unique
settings. The direction and cinematography are superbly done by Dennis Gansel
and Daniel Gottschalk, both of whom are mostly known for their work on various
German productions. They make good use of the environments that they are
provided with and Statham’s abilities.
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But my GUN is more serious.
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The cast is an eclectic mix of actors from around the globe,
obviously thrown into this for their diverse name recognition in the United
States and international markets. It includes Michelle Yeoh, Tommy Lee Jones,
Jessica Alba, Sam Hazeldine, Yayaying Rhatha Phongam, and a host of others.
Most of them are purely one dimensional except for Alba, who serves as the love
interest and gets involved in the action a little bit. Hazeldine plays the main
baddie, but doesn’t receive much screen time. Jones is humorous in his minor
role. Statham is typical Statham. He’s got the look and the body, the on screen
charisma, and the physical abilities to pull off the action.
It’s not going to blow you away with a strong narrative, but
it serves as good entertainment for roughly 100 minutes.
Don't make us shoot you. Share this review.
-Raul Vantassle
