When action-packed thrillers are the talk of the town, Jason Statham’s name is often thrown into the ring. With his latest Netflix debut in November, the 2011 film The Mechanic offers another hard-hitting escapade for the British action star and it’s always a joy to see the late Donald Sutherland.
This film, a revitalised remake of the 1972 classic starring Charles Bronson, and invites audiences to revisit a tale wrapped in adrenaline, stealth, and moral grey zones.
Is it worth the pulse-pounding ride? Let’s delve deeper and find out if your memory of the 2011 film is fuzzy or this is going to be your first watch.
For my review, an updated one, I’m going to take the remake’s pros and cons while explaining where I think the balance exists enough to drown out the cons.
The Mechanic offers viewers a glimpse into the clandestine life of Arthur Bishop
Portrayed by the rugged and ever-charismatic Jason Statham, we get an action film that continues to pull audiences today. Known as a “mechanic” in the grim world of assassination, Bishop represents the upper echelon of kill-for-hire expertise—cold, calculating, and efficient.
The narrative kicks off with Bishop executing a well-orchestrated hit, setting a blistering pace that hardly lets up through its 90-minute run time.
Thematically, the film explores themes of loyalty, vengeance, and the nature of professionalism devoid of moral judgment. It’s a stark portrayal of the intersection between personal vendettas and business transactions. The tone of the film is unabashedly gritty and unapologetically brutal, aiming to keep its audience at the edge of their seats while challenging them to reflect on these broader sociopolitical themes.
In other words, it wants to keep viewers hooked and what else do we expect from a Statham action flick.
Could I say one negative? Maybe just one. Despite its stark presentation, the film sometimes teeters on the brink of cliché, mainly due to its odyssey into the murky world of contract killings frequently explored in cinema.
Somehow I did not experience this with the John Wick series but maybe that’s the shift in the narrative style for hitman films that jumped the genre. It’s best to view this film as being quite distant from the later John Wick films that you may try to compare to.
Jason Statham’s performance as Arthur Bishop is quintessential Statham
He’s a stoic, hard-edged professional who handles firearms with precision and rarely cracks a smile. His physicality and intense screen presence are undeniable, channeling the perfect mix of brooding introspection and gut-wrenching action that audiences have come to expect from him.
Sharing the screen with Statham is Ben Foster, playing Steve McKenna, the protégé with a chip on his shoulder and revenge on his mind. Foster imbues his character with a volatile unpredictability, which offers a compelling counterpoint to Statham’s measured resolve. His portrayal adds a chaotic energy to the film—just when you think you’ve figured him out, he surprises you with another layer of complexity.
Nevertheless, while the leads are engaging, the supporting characters seem to exist solely to nudge the plot forward, lacking depth and often falling into predictable character archetypes.
Director Simon West helms the film with a steady hand
He balances the explosive action sequences with quieter, tense moments that build suspense. West, known for crafting high-octane narratives, doesn’t shy away from utilising the urban landscapes to heighten the visual experience.
From sleek penthouses to gritty industrial docks, the contrasting environments add visual flair and texture to the narrative.
The cinematography, courtesy of Eric Schmidt, uses shadows and stark lighting to emphasise the moral mysteries at play. While the film’s vibrant aesthetics are commendable, there are moments where it feels like style overtakes substance, occasionally disrupting the narrative flow.
The score by composer Mark Isham is a pulse-pounding affair
The score…WOW. It punctuates the film’s high-tension sequences with an urgency that mirrors the protagonists’ furious quests. Its rhythmic intensity provides an immersive experience, though at times it drowns out the more subtle moments where silence might have amplified Bishop’s internal conflicts.
Editing by T.G. Herrington is brisk and seamless, skillfully piecing together a series of meticulously choreographed set-pieces without disorienting the audience. The pace is relentless, with only a few quiet interludes that allow for character introspection and plot development.
Script-wise, The Mechanic offers a tight, no-nonsense approach
The dialogue is concise, aligning with the film’s overall minimalist yet muscular aesthetic. Bishop’s words are often sparse and impactful, reflecting the character’s efficient and undistracted nature.
However, the screenplay occasionally stumbles over clunky exposition, with characters explaining motivations rather than letting actions speak for themselves.
Upon landing on Netflix, The Mechanic has once again thrust itself into the limelight
Once again, as in 2011, the film is sparking discussions among both action aficionados and casual viewers. For some, the film’s visceral momentum and Statham’s commanding performance are its standout features, making it a thrilling watch.
For others, its stumbles into familiar action tropes and underdeveloped secondary characters render it just another predictable ride in the action-thriller genre. But to be clear, I find it a fun ride; one I can do again and again in spite of its shortcomings. I’ve felt that way about so many action films from Speed in the 90s to the latest John Wick film. However, I don’t fully see predictability as a negative as it’s nice to be both surprised and gain that ‘met my expectations’ high point after a film.
Viewers have resonated strongly with the film’s unyielding pace and raw action sequences, appreciating its commitment to high-stakes escapism. Yet, it has faced criticism for its lack of nuance, particularly in its handling of ethical dilemmas intrinsic to the narrative of a hitman who lives by a code.
We’ve seen umpteen films before 2011 and since that take this big hero with a code narrative journey.
We still want them.
The Mechanic remains true to its explosive roots
The film offers a robust reinterpretation of the 1972 classic with modern flair and intensity. While it falls short in some areas, particularly in character development and thematic depth, its strengths lie in delivering a non-stop action ride helmed by the reliable Jason Statham.
This film’s arrival on Netflix has rekindled interest in its legacy—a testament to the enduring appeal of stories that dwell in moral ambiguity and relentless pursuit of vengeance.
For viewers ready for an adrenaline-fueled evening, whether seen it r not, The Mechanic is a finely-tuned thriller that doesn’t merely think outside the box—it blows the box wide open.
