Review of The Mechanic (2011) by Andrew S — 06 Aug 2011

I've read through the reviews and critiques of this film and found much negativity towards it for some reason. I just wonder what these people honestly expected out of a film starring, whom I consider the new face of the action genre, Jason Statham. What I found amazing about this film, is how well put together and profoundly acted out it ends up being.

The Mechanic stars Jason Statham as a professional hitman named Arthur Bishop, who's a pro at making murder's look like one big accident and always keeps it professional. His professionalism however, is put to the test when he becomes tasked to kill his own mentor. He sets forth, out for revenge, finding out who could be responsible for the job and why. Of course complications arise in the form of his mentor's son, Steve, who is also out for revenge against the person responsible for his father's death. The two team up, with Arthur as Steve's mentor, teaching him the way's of being a mechanic.

Looking at this film I find something interesting to note as it unfolds, more in the form of the way the filmmakers had decided to retell the story of a professional who must allow another broken soul into his life. I find the use of color correction to elegantly bring the characters from one situation to another quite good and it helps keep the film from losing tonal consistency.

The true bright spot is Statham and Foster as a team of killers, making the rounds like a deranged odd couple of both dramatic and comedic sorts. The two seem to play off each other quite naturally and while they never seem to shine on their own, it's a delight watching the duo wreak havoc on both a public and personal level.

The story is rather simple and straightforward without much need to delve into subliminal social context. It relies solely on two elements: The two main characters and unapologetically violent action sequences. While some may be turned away by the whole, "been there, done that" style it dabbles in, no doubt should be given in it's effort and confidence with setting up some magnificent set pieces, keeping things somehow grounded enough to keep the characters in tact.

Whether you've seen the original film or are watching this as a way to get your action fix, your in for a treat. It has plenty of cliche' moments and at the same time, plenty of moments you won't see coming. It's exciting and a well put together action film that is stable enough to walk on it's own, thanks to it's two brilliant stars and eager behind the scenes filmmakers.