Review of The Mechanic (2011) by Neal P — 11 Jul 2011

This movie is filled with sound and fury, but signifies, really, little to nothing. It wouldn't be so bad (just another average, mindless action movie) except for the fact that this is a remake of a great movie. Not only that, but the original was art, and actually tried to be something. This has little to no substance, and no real character development that means anything or that anyone cares about.

I like chases, gun fights, and explosions, so I was entertained by this movie. However, this film didn't wow me, and, as I said, being a remake, it was hard to focus on this one over the original. I will admit that this is a slick movie that looks decent, but I just couldn't care.

I like Statham, Foster, and Sutherland. And I have this odd love for Simon West's Con Air. However (and I can't help but repeat myself), this movie is a pointless, souless remake. It does away with subtlety and trades it in for being 'of the times'. There are a number of elements from the original that are retained, but I just didn't like how they were handled.

I liked this a tad more than it seems like I did, but because of my attachment to the original, I can't help but really come down on this one.