The Mechanic

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The Mechanic

R

2011

1h 32m

Action

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

54%

Tomatometer

164 Reviews

51%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

One of an elite group of assassins, Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) may be the best in the business. Bishop carries out his assignments with precision, detachment and adherence to a strict code, but when Harry (Donald Sutherland), his close friend and mentor, is murdered, Bishop vows revenge. Harry's son (Ben Foster) comes to him with vengeance in his heart and a desire to learn Bishop's trade, signaling the birth of a deadly partnership.

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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.

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Shubhra Gupta

The Indian Express

04/03/2019

1.5/5

The Mechanic gets a low score even by the abysmal standards set by Statham and the kinds of films he assembly-lines.

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Leah Rozen

TheWrap

10/07/2011

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.

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Una LaMarche

Observer

04/04/2011

2/4

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

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Feb 9

1.5/4

Yet one more formula flick about a taciturn killer who, despite his penchant for slaying and maiming, actually turns out to be the kind of nice guy you might consider Friending on Facebook.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

08/03/2023

1.5/4

With director Simon West’s remake, it becomes apparent that apathy no longer makes for an admirable protagonist or even a dynamic one.

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

10/07/2022

Tends to be more perceptive than active, extracting the most it can from the original. [Full review in Spanish]

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Jack F

@MovieFan111 Nov 28

Great cast, but just too forgettable.

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Nathan J.

@NathanDirector Nov 22

Rating: 6.4/10 A competent, gritty action thriller with Jason Statham doing what he does best. Highlights - Solid Action: Brisk pacing, practical effects, and creative kills. - Great Chemistry: Statham and Ben Foster deliver engaging performances. - Entertaining: Fun, easy watch for action fans. Criticisms - Formulaic Plot: Predictable story with telegraphed twists. - Thin Characters: Supporting cast lacks development. - Lacks Distinct Style: Feels like a standard action product. Verdict A polished, predictable action thriller succeeding thanks to Statham and Foster's chemistry. Recommended for action fans and Statham enthusiasts.

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Izan K

@RT56698326 Sep 28

good, and the sensation of explosions and action is felt, but maybe the thriller seasoning is a little lacking

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thiago s

@Thiagostone Sep 2

Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom

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John W

@RT18279564 Jul 21

One of the best Statham movies. Hard action and a surprisingly good story for this kind of movie. Good twists at the end. Top action thriller

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Madam D

@Madam1948 03/25/2025

Of course it is violent, but the action sequences were pretty good. Easy to guess the plot as it proceeded.

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Simon West

Director

Jason Statham

Arthur Bishop

Ben Foster

Steve

Donald Sutherland

Harry

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Synopsis

One of an elite group of assassins, Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) may be the best in the business. Bishop carries out his assignments with precision, detachment and adherence to a strict code, but when Harry (Donald Sutherland), his close friend and mentor, is murdered, Bishop vows revenge. Harry's son (Ben Foster) comes to him with vengeance in his heart and a desire to learn Bishop's trade, signaling the birth of a deadly partnership.

Director: Simon West
Producer: David Winkler, William Chartoff, René Besson
Screenwriter: Richard Wenk, Lewis John Carlino
Distributor: CBS Films
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Chartoff-Winkler Productions, Nu Image
Rating: R (Nudity|Language|Some Sexual Content|Strong Brutal Violence)
Genre: Action, Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 28, 2011, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 5, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $29.1M
Runtime: 1h 32m