The Mechanic

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The Mechanic

R

2011

1h 32m

Action

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

54%

Tomatometer

164 Reviews

51%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

One of an elite group of assassins, Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) may be the best in the business. Bishop carries out his assignments with precision, detachment and adherence to a strict code, but when Harry (Donald Sutherland), his close friend and mentor, is murdered, Bishop vows revenge. Harry's son (Ben Foster) comes to him with vengeance in his heart and a desire to learn Bishop's trade, signaling the birth of a deadly partnership.

Critics Consensus

Jason Statham and Ben Foster turn in enjoyable performances, but this superficial remake betrays them with mind-numbing violence and action thriller cliches.

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Shubhra Gupta

The Indian Express

04/03/2019

1.5/5

The Mechanic gets a low score even by the abysmal standards set by Statham and the kinds of films he assembly-lines.

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Leah Rozen

TheWrap

10/07/2011

Statham, he of the chiseled physique and sexily receding hairline, holds his own here, doing what he has to in scenes and no more -- which is perfect for a movie like this.

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Una LaMarche

Observer

04/04/2011

2/4

The Mechanic is like a Beretta loaded with blanks -- quick and brutal but ultimately empty.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Feb 9

1.5/4

Yet one more formula flick about a taciturn killer who, despite his penchant for slaying and maiming, actually turns out to be the kind of nice guy you might consider Friending on Facebook.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

08/03/2023

1.5/4

With director Simon West’s remake, it becomes apparent that apathy no longer makes for an admirable protagonist or even a dynamic one.

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

10/07/2022

Tends to be more perceptive than active, extracting the most it can from the original. [Full review in Spanish]

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Blake- N

@PBSAniDom 3d

The Mechanic is a solid and stylish remake of the 1972 classic of the same name. It modernizes the premise while keeping the core assassin concept intact, offering a clean and efficient action thriller experience. Jason Statham delivers a grounded, controlled performance that fits the role perfectly, supported by tight pacing and well-executed action sequences that stay focused without overcomplicating the story. Compared to The Mechanic, this version leans more into polished modern action, but it still respects the source material’s minimalist approach and professional assassin tone, even if it takes a more explosive direction. Overall, it’s a strong and entertaining remake that knows exactly what it wants to be. Not revolutionary, but very effective as a straightforward action thriller. I’d rate it an 8/10.

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Jack F

@MovieFan111 Nov 28

Great cast, but just too forgettable.

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Nathan J.

@NathanDirector Nov 22

Rating: 6.4/10 A competent, gritty action thriller with Jason Statham doing what he does best. Highlights - Solid Action: Brisk pacing, practical effects, and creative kills. - Great Chemistry: Statham and Ben Foster deliver engaging performances. - Entertaining: Fun, easy watch for action fans. Criticisms - Formulaic Plot: Predictable story with telegraphed twists. - Thin Characters: Supporting cast lacks development. - Lacks Distinct Style: Feels like a standard action product. Verdict A polished, predictable action thriller succeeding thanks to Statham and Foster's chemistry. Recommended for action fans and Statham enthusiasts.

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Izan K

@RT56698326 Sep 28

good, and the sensation of explosions and action is felt, but maybe the thriller seasoning is a little lacking

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thiago s

@Thiagostone Sep 2

Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom

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John W

@RT18279564 Jul 21

One of the best Statham movies. Hard action and a surprisingly good story for this kind of movie. Good twists at the end. Top action thriller

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Simon West

Director

Jason Statham

Arthur Bishop

Ben Foster

Steve

Donald Sutherland

Harry

Tony Goldwyn

Dean

Jeff Chase

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Synopsis

One of an elite group of assassins, Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) may be the best in the business. Bishop carries out his assignments with precision, detachment and adherence to a strict code, but when Harry (Donald Sutherland), his close friend and mentor, is murdered, Bishop vows revenge. Harry's son (Ben Foster) comes to him with vengeance in his heart and a desire to learn Bishop's trade, signaling the birth of a deadly partnership.

Director: Simon West
Producer: David Winkler, William Chartoff, René Besson
Screenwriter: Richard Wenk, Lewis John Carlino
Distributor: CBS Films
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Chartoff-Winkler Productions, Nu Image
Rating: R (Nudity|Language|Some Sexual Content|Strong Brutal Violence)
Genre: Action, Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 28, 2011, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 5, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $29.1M
Runtime: 1h 32m