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Posted on Fri, Jan 28, 2011 : 1:10 p.m.

'The Mechanic' displays energy, if not humor

By AnnArbor.com Freelance Journalist

The Mechanic Opens today at Rave, Quality 16, Brighton Review by Jeff Meyers of the Metro Times Grade: B-

mechanic.jpg

Why so serious?

The main thing action flicks featuring Jason Statham (aka "the Stath") have on their side is their sly sense of humor. Between the frenzied fisticuffs and gravity-defying gun duels, there's been an eye-winking cheekiness to lighten the dramatic load. The "Transporter" and "Crank" films are gleefully kinetic popcorn movies without pretension or melodrama, always delivering enough kickass to justify modest budgets.

For its first hour, this update from director Simon West ("Con Air") of Charles Bronson's 1972 "The Mechanic" is a slow-burn thriller that upgrades the catatonically acted and directed original with style and energy.

Read the full review here

Comments

Gordon

Sat, Jan 29, 2011 : 2:32 p.m.

" The Stah", I think, doesn't get the credit he deserves. He is a good actor. Our Hollywood is slow to pick 'B' film actors for more 'A' type movies. Clint Eastwood had to practically do it all himself. Too bad the AA film critic didn't report on the film.