Jason Statham is perfect in this Charlese Bronson remake of a 70s action film with a double plotline that sizzles across the screen like a released fuse.
The Skinny: Elite hit man Arthur Bishop (Stathom) mistakenly assassinates mentor/boss/friend and aspires for atonement by allowing the unbeknowing son (Ben Foster) of the assassinated man to be his protege in the high stakes world of hired killers. Along the way the truth is revealed and the path to vengeance is carved open with a couple automatics and grenades.
The Helmer: Simon West - Con Air (1997), The General's Daughter (1999), Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), Keen Eddie (TV) (2003), Closer to Home (TV) (2005), Under Pressuer (TV) (2006), When A Stranger Calls (2006), Split Decision (TV movie) (2006), The Man (TV movie) 2007), Purple Mountain (2008), Human Target (TV) (2010), The Cape (TV) (2011), The Mechanic (2011).
The Casts: Jason Statham (Arthur Bishop), Ben Foster (Steve McKenna), Donald Sutherland (Harry McKenna), Tony Goldwyn (Dean), Mini Anden (Sarah).
The Verdict: This is a great actioneer old school style. I was expecting the typical Transporter type of fare, but was pleasantly surprised that this movie surpassed that franchise by coupla thousand feet. The whole feel of the movie is grainy and golden-hued, strongly reminiscent of 70s spy movies, and to some extent it is. Statham is his silent brooding self, but it is Ben Foster who shines as the reckless and totally unpredictable protege who is very much human in action and reaction. This is a solid film, currently occupying the upper echelons of good action films. Go ahead, enjoy.
