American cinemagoers love an action hero. With the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sly Stallone, Chuck Norris and Harrison Ford, the 1980s was a fertile period for muscle and bullets. We Brits tend to carry out our business a bit more quietly, most notably through the tailored suits and the Oxbridge English of James Bond. Jason Statham is very much a throwback, merging hand-to-hand action with a sly wink and a healthy slice of charm. Mechanic: Resurrection is 100% Statham.
After faking his own death, Burcher (Statham) is lying low in Rio. When he’s approached about a new job, cover blown, he escapes; taking refuge at his friend Mei’s (Michelle Yeoh) bar in Thailand. After rescuing the mysterious Gina (Jessica Alba) from an abusive man, Butler finally sees a possibility of setting down. However, upon discovering she’s working for Crain (Sam Hazeldine), a crime boss who will not take no for an answer, his must fight for his freedom once again.
You know what you’re getting with a Jason Statham film, and Mechanic: Resurrection delivers in terms of action whilst never really attempting anything original. For the most part, the female characters are there to be rescued or adorn the backgrounds, with only Michelle Yeoh given any sort of real depth. The action itself is good, and you can’t help but for Butler. Mechanic: Resurrection ticks all the boxes but fails to be anything other than a passable diversion.
Mechanic: Resurrection is released on Blu-ray, DVD and Video on Demand by Lionsgate on Boxing Day. It’s available on digital download now.
