Film Review
Resurrecting a character nobody expected to see again, Statham returns in a glossy but only fitfully entertaining action sequel.
Storming the Chinese box office to earn a tidy $50M - much more than its budget, and much more than it earned in any other territory - Jason Statham's surprise sequel (that nobody, let's be honest, was really hoping for, or looking forward to, at least at the cinema) also proved to be the surprise sleeper hit in a dreary summer box office teeming with disappointing sequels. Unfortunately, despite its monetary success, it otherwise appears to be a distinctly acquired taste, with the slick actioner ditching the grittier assassination escapades of its predecessor in favour of a sub-Bond, sub-Mission: Impossible blend of crazy missions in exotic locales with bikini-clad babes and a daredevil hero. Although this leaves it little removed from its otherwise DTV-level brethren, there is an argument to be said that Mechanic: Resurrection is actually a far more enjoyable outing than the Hitman videogame adaptations.
Indeed, in many ways, whilst it doesn't always work as a sequel to the slightly darker and grittier original Mechanic, it might have worked as a Hitman instalment instead with only minor, beneficial, tweaks. Pushing 50, Statham's visibly older, but still in ridiculously good shape (much like Cruise), delivering the goods in a series of well-staged fight and stunt sequences, whilst Jessica Alba continues to unimpress on the acting front but impress with her... tan, and Michelle Yeoh appeals to the Eastern contingent (what a waste of this great actress), whilst Tommy Lee Jones completes a trifecta of tired supporting performances (Criminal, Jason Bourne) complete with a ridiculous look that makes you feel like he's almost in on the joke. Almost. The writing is poor, the dialogue risible, and the CG limited, but the slick look, exotic locales and numerous action setpieces will still keep Statham fans entertained.
Picture Quality
Sound Quality
Extras
As expected, all of the extra features are present on the accompanying Blu-ray disc; a quintet of short Featurettes including the 10 minute making-of called Engineering The Sequel: Inside Mechanic: Resurrection; a further 9 minute Scoring the Action Film with Mark Isham; and a trio of 2 minute mini-featurettes looking at The Malaysian Prison, Michelle Yeoh - Secret Ally, and Statham on Stunts.
Conclusion
Mechanic: Resurrection Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
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