Review of The Mechanic (2011) by Stephen M — 07 May 2012

This remake may be energetic and elaborate, but it also staunchly steers away from complex characterization. Humanity gets thrown out the window and gratuitous sex and gore fuel this well-oiled but heartless espionage thriller.

Statham is good at what he does. He's a cold but lonely killing machine. His one possible friend is an underworld boss, Sutherland. However, the call comes down from Statham's other boss (Goldwyn) that Sutherland needs taken out for double-dealing. Statham is a professional, but the grief from the job motivates him to adopt Sutherland's dangerous prodigal son, Foster, as a protégé. This new duo takes on several other intricate assignments, Statham training Foster to epic proportions in mere weeks.

The film aims low and hits its mark well. The many convolutions are tight and unexpected, and the undercover bits are entertaining. The error is that the violent, soulless characters never inspire much more than a rudimentary fascination. Logic also leaves; apparently this is a world with no police whatsoever, and two people can scale a Chicago building in broad daylight without being seen.

Statham is a pro at this genre (The Transporter films, the Crank films). However, The Mechanic makes a point of showing that his life is hollow. Just when it seems our assassin is starting to care about something, the filmmakers switch gears, deciding this vehicle needs less emotion and more well rendered carnage, sex and explosions.