The Mechanic

2011

The Mechanic

Critics Consensus

Jason Statham and Ben Foster turn in enjoyable performances, but this superficial remake betrays them with mind-numbing violence and action thriller cliches.

53%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 163

51%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 57,760

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The Mechanic Photos

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Movie Info

Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) is a 'mechanic' - an elite assassin with a strict code and unique talent for cleanly eliminating targets. It's a job that requires professional perfection and total detachment, and Bishop is the best in the business. But when his mentor and close friend Harry (Donald Sutherland) is murdered, Bishop is anything but detached. His next assignment is self-imposed - he wants those responsible dead.

His mission grows complicated when Harry's son Steve (Ben Foster) approaches him with the same vengeful goal and a determination to learn Bishop's trade. Bishop has always acted alone but he can't turn his back on Harry's son. A methodical hit man takes an impulsive student deep into his world and a deadly partnership is born. But while in pursuit of their ultimate mark, deceptions threaten to surface and those hired to fix problems become problems themselves. -- (C) CBS films
  • Rating:
    R (for strong brutal violence throughout, language, some sexual content and nudity)
  • Genre:
    Action & Adventure, Drama, Mystery & Suspense
  • Directed By:
    Simon West
  • Written By:
    Karl Gajdusek, Richard Wenk, Lewis John Carlino
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Box Office:
    $29,113,588
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    CBS Films

Cast

Jason Statham
as Arthur Bishop
Ben Foster
as Steve McKenna
Donald Sutherland
as Harry McKenna
Tony Goldwyn
as Dean Sanderson
Mini Anden
as Sarah
Jeff Chase
as Burke
James Logan
as Jorge Lara
Christa Campbell
as Kelly
Jeffrey Chase
Eddie J. Fernandez
as Lara's Guard
Joshua Bridgewater
as Car Jacker
John McConnell
as Vaughn
Eddie Fernandez
as Lara's Guard
Joel Davis
as Husband
Mark Anthony Nutter
as Mr. Finch
Ardy Brent Carlson
as Bell Hop
Lara Grice
as Mrs. Finch
Lance E. Nichols
as Henry
J.D. Evermore
as Gun Runner
Ada Michelle Loridans
as Finch's Daughter
Linzzi Zaorski
as Jazz Club Singer
Dawn Neufeld
as News Reporter #1
Molly Rosenblatt
as News Reporter #2
Bill Scharpf
as Dean's Driver
John Teague
as Ney
David Leitch
as Sebastian
Jennifer Ortega
as Lara's Girl #1
LaTeace Towns-Cuellar
as Lara's Girl #2
Paul Abraham
as Shuttle Driver
David Dahlgren
as Dr. X
Stuart Greer
as Ralph
Kasia Wolejnio
as Maria
Larrel France
as Vaughn's Intern
Danny Cosmo Higginbottom
as Peasant
Derek Schreck
as Security Guard
Choop Hunyup
as "Arthur" the Dog
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News & Interviews for The Mechanic

RT on DVD & Blu-Ray: The Mechanic and ESPN’s 30 for 30
Box Office Guru Wrapup: Anthony Hopkins Has The Rite Stuff
Critics Consensus: The Mechanic Could Use A Tune-Up
View All

Critic Reviews for The Mechanic

All Critics (163) | Top Critics (39) | Fresh (87) | Rotten (76)

  • Statham, he of the chiseled physique and sexily receding hairline, holds his own here, doing what he has to in scenes and no more -- which is perfect for a movie like this.

    October 7, 2011 | Full Review…

    Leah Rozen

    TheWrap
    Top Critic

  • The Mechanic is like a Beretta loaded with blanks -- quick and brutal but ultimately empty.

    April 4, 2011 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…

    Una LaMarche

    Observer
    Top Critic

  • Clinging to false heroism and terrified of anything too dark, The Mechanic is a tough-guy movie for wimps.

    February 19, 2011 | Full Review…

    Rafer Guzman

    Newsday
    Top Critic

  • Statham is a model of control; he's steely and graceful in his action scenes, and his interplay with the wiry Foster delivers the goods.

    February 7, 2011 | Full Review…

    Bruce Diones

    New Yorker
    Top Critic

  • An efficient thriller with certain intellectual pretensions.

    January 31, 2011 | Full Review…

    Philip French

    Guardian
    Top Critic

  • The new stunts are explosive, over-the-top and a sign of the times -- action fans aren't happy these days, it seems, unless at least one scene involves a jackknifing 18-wheeler and a fireball.

    January 29, 2011 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

    Stephen Whitty

    Newark Star-Ledger
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (163)

Audience Reviews for The Mechanic

  • Apr 16, 2015
    I haven't seen the original film but this one's pretty good. It's thrilling and action-packed. And full of surprises.
    Maymay A Super Reviewer
  • Apr 04, 2014
    Jason Statham stars in this remake of the 1972 film of the same name. I seriously disliked the casting and acting, plot was superficial and predictable. The action wasn't fun enough to catch my attention and it's just overall a bad production and bad ensemble.
    Sylvester K Super Reviewer
  • Sep 30, 2013
    The Mechanic is very similar to The Transporter. Same loner doing jobs without asking questions. In this case, instead of transporting, he is killing. The problem is when the questions won't go away.
    Red L Super Reviewer
  • May 11, 2013
    A well-crafted thriller, The Mechanic is an intense and action packed film from director Simon West. Starring Jason Statham, Ben Foster, and Donald Sutherland, the film has a strong cast that delivers good performances. The story follows an assassin who takes on a protege, but is forced to go rogue when he's betrayed by his employer. The material is familiar, but the writing is able to keep the film engaging. Though it's not that original, The Mechanic is a solid action film.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
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