Review: The Mechanic (2011)

Director Simon West's The Mechanic is a modern adaptation of the 1972 Michael Winner film of the same name, starring Charles Bronson. The film stars Jason Statham as hit man Arthur Bishop. Bishop has recently been ordered to kill his long time mentor- Harry Mckenna (Donald Sutherland). Being a faithful man to his business he carries out the hit. Living with this decision and having the attachment he shared with Harry, Bishop attends his memorial service, which is where he encounters Harry's son, Steve (Ben Foster). Steve, being the troubled young man he is, takes a liking to Bishop and his profession, pleading that he train him to know the things Arthur knows-- the skills taught to arthur by Harry. The Mechanic follows Arthur and his new apprentice Steve Mckenna as they bond and carry out hits, improving Steve's skills as they progress. Will Steve learn of Arthur's significance to his father's death, and if so, when? My expectations were low upon entering the cinema. This film was released in the midst of a storm of terrible, early in the year movies, and it is a remake of a film, that to my knowledge, needed no remake. The Mechanic exceeded my expectations tremendously. I was prepared for non-stop action, sub-par acting, and a two-dimensional plot, and I would have been fine with turning my brain off (Much like Machete or The Expendables). The action was indeed nearly continuous, however, the performances delivered by both Foster and Statham were exceptional-- Foster's being quite exceptional (as his often are). Additionally, it included a sharp, smart script that was at times compelling, and even a bit intentionally humorous. There were action sequences that were surely a bit over the top, but were saved by the solid chemistry this duo shares. The ending was quite satisfactory, though included one implausible maneuver performed by Statham- but what action film doesn't? The Mechanic was a pleasant surprise and is strongly recommended for action fans, earning it 3 stars.