Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Release Date: August 26, 2016

Genre: Action, Thriller

Platform: Available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play

Director: Dennis Gansel

Writers: Philip Shelby, Tony Mosher

Cast: Jason Statham, Jessica Alba, Tommy Lee Jones, Michelle Yeoh, Sam Hazeldine





Movie Review: 

Mechanic: Resurrection

 – A Stylish Return to High-Stakes Action



Introduction


When it comes to the action genre, few actors carry the same gritty charisma and physicality as Jason Statham. Known for his no-nonsense, high-impact roles, Statham returns as Arthur Bishop in Mechanic: Resurrection, the follow-up to the 2011 remake of The Mechanic. Directed by Dennis Gansel in his English-language debut, the 2016 film stays true to its roots—sharp, brutal, and loaded with impossible missions. Though not breaking much new ground narratively, the film delivers on what fans expect: bone-crunching stunts, sleek visuals, and explosive showdowns.





Plot Summary



The film picks up with Arthur Bishop having faked his death and now living in seclusion in Rio de Janeiro. His peaceful existence is shattered when he is tracked down by a powerful criminal named Riah Crain (Sam Hazeldine), who wants to exploit Bishop’s particular set of lethal skills. Crain kidnaps Bishop’s new love interest Gina (Jessica Alba) to force him into completing three near-impossible assassinations that must look like accidents.


Bishop agrees, but not without a twist of his own. From a prison in Malaysia to a billionaire’s fortress on a yacht, Bishop executes the missions with calculated precision. His final target, played with eccentric flair by Tommy Lee Jones, flips the script entirely, adding intrigue and dark humor to an otherwise straightforward plot.





Performances



Jason Statham does what he does best—he’s stoic, intense, and brutally efficient. While there’s no huge emotional arc for Bishop, Statham’s physical presence and commitment to the stunts carry the film. Jessica Alba, though underused, brings emotional warmth and vulnerability to her role as Gina, though their chemistry feels somewhat rushed.


Tommy Lee Jones steals the few scenes he’s in, donning a rock-star aesthetic and delivering a performance that adds a quirky edge to the otherwise grim tone of the film. Michelle Yeoh, though deserving of more screen time, adds gravitas in her limited role as Bishop’s friend and confidant, Mei.





Direction & Cinematography



Dennis Gansel keeps the film moving at a brisk pace, prioritizing action over narrative depth. His direction thrives in the set-piece assassinations, especially a standout sequence where Bishop eliminates a target from the bottom of a glass-bottom pool suspended from a skyscraper—a visually dazzling and suspenseful moment that encapsulates the film’s best qualities.


The cinematography by Daniel Gottschalk captures a globe-trotting scope, with locations ranging from Rio and Thailand to Bulgaria and Malaysia. The exotic backdrops provide a lush and vibrant canvas that enhances the film’s high-octane mood. The editing is tight, though at times it borders on choppy during fight scenes, detracting slightly from the choreography.





Script & Pacing



The screenplay, penned by Philip Shelby and Tony Mosher, isn’t trying to redefine the genre. It’s predictable, and many character motivations remain paper-thin. However, the plot is functional—merely a scaffold for the elaborate kills and globe-spanning chases.


At 98 minutes, the film doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s aware of its role: provide non-stop thrills with just enough plot to justify the carnage. While this may frustrate viewers looking for more substance, it will satisfy action purists.





Themes & Tone



Mechanic: Resurrection touches lightly on themes of redemption, identity, and moral boundaries. Bishop is a killer, but with a conscience—a trope well-worn but fitting. The emotional stakes, mainly through Gina’s kidnapping, feel more like a plot device than a developed relationship, but they do lend a personal angle to the relentless action.


The tone is dark but polished, with occasional flashes of dry humor. The addition of Tommy Lee Jones’ character injects some unexpected levity and color into the otherwise serious affair.





Action & Set Pieces



This is where Mechanic: Resurrection shines. The film’s action is inventive, diverse, and well-executed. From underwater escapes to improvised combat in tight corridors, the film thrives on adrenaline. The three assassination missions are unique and allow for creative stunt work—most notably the skyscraper pool scene, which is both tense and visually spectacular.


The final act delivers an explosive confrontation aboard a yacht, concluding with a smart twist that fits the franchise’s tone and Arthur Bishop’s intellect.





Reception & Box Office



The film received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics, holding a low score on Rotten Tomatoes. While praised for its action sequences and international locales, it was criticized for its weak storyline and underdeveloped characters. However, Mechanic: Resurrection proved financially successful, grossing over $125 million worldwide on a $40 million budget.


The film has since found a second life on digital platforms and cable TV, where fans of Statham and the action genre continue to enjoy its high-octane appeal.





Final Verdict



Mechanic: Resurrection doesn’t pretend to be more than what it is—a fast-paced, visually slick, and action-heavy thriller. It offers Jason Statham fans exactly what they want: a tough-as-nails protagonist, incredible stunts, and a plot that allows him to punch, shoot, and outwit his way across the globe.


It may lack emotional depth and narrative complexity, but it compensates with sheer kinetic energy and inventive action design. For those looking for intellectual stimulation, this may not be the right pick. But for a Saturday-night dose of thrilling escapism, Mechanic: Resurrection more than delivers.




Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars