The Mechanic

It is very cold and conceptual, without any idea or the ability to captivate – purely half-hearted routine. From the well-known names involved in the film, I expected something much better. And from Ben Foster, I expected better acting. Surprisingly average action. (06/20/2011)

Another action movie with Statham, who sometimes looks quite tough, but you still have the feeling that it's more of an act. It's not bad, but for Statham, it's pretty standard. Nothing that deviates significantly, still some sort of code, even if twisted. I was hoping that the movie would captivate me a bit, but that didn't happen. It's more like a slow ride. (03/31/2014)

An undying zombie. I’m not a fan of the original, but I was expecting a better upgrade with this film. West will clearly never again come out of the shadow of his own first film, even though it does have both swing and plenty of blood in certain moments (though I have to wonder if its digital form is the definitive standard for contemporary cinema). The biggest problem I see is mostly in the motivations of the main characters, which I find, no matter how categorically I look at it, incredibly demented. Even the traditionally good "stone-faced" Statham and the speedy handsome Foster can't save it from the resulting implausibility. 2 ½. (02/22/2011)

A solid genre movie with several very cool moments. The escape by wheelchair us one of the most incredibly hilarious scenes that you have ever seen. The action is nice, but economical, the screenplay full of plotholes and Simon West doesn’t have the sense to make up for that elsewhere. At least Jason is Jason and Foster is Foster and the dancer is hot as hell. (04/23/2011)

I wasn't at all surprised that the theater was completely empty. I haven't seen a single ad for this movie and if it weren't for FilmBooster, I probably wouldn't have even known about it. I’m finally seeing Statham as a good actor. I have to admit, he has some charisma and grit to him. The movie felt pretty real and not over the top. I was covering my eyes during the garbage disposal scene. Still, I have to criticize the boring beginning. The acting was good, the ending was above standard. Somehow I want to liken it to The American... here I missed an attractive city and atmosphere. On the other hand, The Mechanic was grittier and more involved. Maybe the empty cinema helped, but I’m rating the film above average... 3.5 stars. (08/17/2011)