Ed's Review Dot Com

Millennium Films, Nu Image Entertainment GmbH

Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Tony Goldwyn, Donald Sutherland, Jeff Chase, Mini Anden, James Logan, Eddie J. Fernandez, John McConnell, Christa Campbell

Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) is a “mechanic” which is a glorified hit man. Arthur is very meticulous about his craft, and he’s not a sniper. Arthur knows the key to doing the job is to study the situation and use whatever means it takes to make it look like an accident, or send a strong message, or whatever the eventual goal. It requires total detachment, and Arthur is the best in the business. He has nerves of steel and no feeling whatsoever. But when the hit is put on his mentor and close friend Harry (Donald Sutherland), Arthur is anything but detached. He wants to get to the bottom of the deceit and betrayal that caused Harry’s death. Harry’s son Steve (Ben Foster) is a bit of a screwup and disappointment to his father, but when he approaches Arthur with the same vengeful goal and a determination to learn the trade. Arthur has always acted alone but he can’t turn his back on Harry’s son. A methodical hit man takes an impulsive student into his world and things will never be the same.

This is a remake of the 1972 film “The Mechanic” with Charles Bronson and Jan Michael Vincent. I remember being blown away by the film back in 72. It was one of the best Bronson films of the era, and he was certainly a hard edgy guy in those days. This film is essentially the same story, somewhat upgraded, but the same basic story. The 72 version is still very good, and I would love to go back and watch that one again so I can really compare. Remembering from nearly 40 years ago doesn’t do it justice. This film seems very familiar. A lot of people ripped off the 72 film, and as a result, when you see this, even if you’ve never seen the original, you’re probably going to suffer from Deja Vu. There’s nothing here you haven’t seen before. Still, it’s well done, gory, and the suspense and action are full bore, so it’s worth watching. I feel pretty sure any action fan is going to enjoy this, as it’s very well done. If that’s because it’s so derivative, then so be it. Still it’s fun and exciting all the way through.

I don’t think any of the action stars today can be as bad ass as Bronson, but Statham is pretty good. It’s got an R rating because of the violence and gore, but there is not much bad language or nudity in the film at all. It’s just a non-stop kill fest and exciting entertainment. It would make a great double feature with the original.

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Here’s a preview of the 1972 Charles Bronson version