Mechanic: Resurrection (2016)

I think I opted to see this film because it featured Jessica Alba but unfortunately she wasn't really the one in the spotlight.

Directed by Dennis Gansel, this film is a high-octane, globe-trotting action thriller that sees Jason Statham reprising his role as Arthur Bishop, a master assassin with a flair for the impossible. The film doesn’t try to hide its action-packed heart and it delivers on its promises of stunts, explosions and sharp-witted encounters. It’s actually got that fast paced style and adrenaline punch that fans of action thrillers like myself will appreciate.

Synopsis

Arthur Bishop has retired from his deadly life as a "mechanic": an assassin who stages his kills as accidents. But his quiet life is shattered when an old enemy kidnaps his girlfriend, Gina (Jessica Alba), forcing him back into the game. To save her, Bishop must carry out three near-impossible assassinations in a very short timeframe, each one a challenge to his wit, skill, and sheer resilience. From underwater cages to high-rise skyscrapers, each target is more dangerous than the last, but Bishop is determined to finish his deadly checklist and save Gina.

My Review and Rating

“Mechanic: Resurrection” goes straight for the action jugular, with each scene more intense and daring than the last. Jason Statham embodies Arthur Bishop with his signature cool, stoic demeanor, making every fight and escape sequence feel believable, no matter how far-fetched. The assassinations are cleverly staged, with unique settings and inventive methods, showing off Bishop's skillset and making each target feel like its own mini adventure.

The film’s pace is what I really liked. It's relentless and while it sacrifices some depth for nonstop action, it stays entertaining from start to finish. However, character development takes a backseat. Gina’s role, for instance, feels mostly as a motivator for Bishop’s actions and the film doesn’t spend much time building the relationship between them. Their relationship happened so fast and left me wondering if that was possible in the real world. This anyway, limits any emotional stakes, making it more about the thrills than any deeper investment in the characters themselves.

The over-the-top stunts can be borderline absurd but in a way that’s fun if you don’t take it too seriously. Statham fans know what they’re signing up for and the film doesn’t disappoint in delivering the spectacle.

If you’re looking for pure escapism, this one delivers exactly that. It’s a wild ride with mind blowing action scenes, creative setups, and a protagonist who does what he does best: surviving the impossible.

While it might lack the emotional depth of other thrillers, it’s perfect for a night of action packed fun. I'd give it a 3.5/5. It’s all about the thrill, and for fans of action, it’s worth the watch.