Today’s quick review: The Mechanic. Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) is a successful assassin who specializes in making his murders look like accidents. One day, he is assigned to kill Harry McKenna (Donald Sutherland), his best friend and mentor, for betraying their agency. After Harry’s death, Steve (Ben Foster), Harry’s disappointment of a son, persuades Arthur to take him on as an apprentice. But as Steve settles into the life of an assassin, he comes closer to discovering who really killed his father.
The Mechanic is an action film about a hitman, his protege, and the shady company for which they work. Jason Statham drives the movie as the detached, methodical Arthur, who earns his kills through careful preparation. But the mindset that makes him an effective killer also makes his life empty, filling the void only with his records, his car, and a girlfriend who doesn’t even know his name. Ben Foster plays against him as the hotheaded, discontent Steve. Steve takes to his training well, but his temper often gets the best of him, and Arthur spends his time imparting what wisdom he can while keeping Steve from getting the two of them killed.
The action is credible but not outstanding, with enough shootouts to qualify as an action movie but no distinctive style. Where The Mechanic sets itself apart is in the quality of its missions and the dynamic between Arthur and Steve. Arthur’s infiltration techniques are creative and interesting, while the fact that Steve does not know who killed his father adds some nice tension to the plot.
Watch The Mechanic if you enjoy action movies, simple crime dramas, or Jason Statham. While the movie is not groundbreaking, it is a solid entry into the genre that emphasizes the meticulous side of assassination and uses a mentor-student relationship for some good drama. Skip it if you are looking for a more comedic action film, a deeper crime drama, or a great movie rather than a good one.
6.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it 7.0 for decent execution with a couple of nice touches.