Mechanic: Resurrection review by Rashid Irani — This one’s totally out of order

Even the stubbly charisma and martial-arts credentials of Jason Statham can’t deflect from the formulaic screenplay and cookie-cutter characterisations.

MECHANIC: RESURRECTION
Direction: Dennis Gansel
Actors: Jason Statham, Jessica Alba
Rating: 1 / 5

From the get-go, director Dennis Gansel fails to sustain the tension. The body count keeps mounting, but no part of the preposterous narrative is believable.

The first version of The Mechanic was made back in 1972. Four decades later, a remake of the same name featured Jason Statham in the role originated by Charles Bronson.

In this inferior sequel to the 2011 actioner, Statham once again flexes his muscle as a hit man tasked with pulling off three seemingly impossible assassinations.

Read: Mechanic: Resurrection is a rarity — a sequel to a remake

The retired contract killer is dragged back into the exterminating business following the kidnapping of his newfound girlfriend (Alba).

From the get-go, German-born director Dennis Gansel (The Wave) fails to sustain the tension. The body count resembles a war zone as corpses of henchmen keep piling up. No part of the preposterous narrative is believable for a second.

Even the stubbly charisma and martial arts credentials of Statham can’t deflect from the formulaic screenplay and cookie-cutter characterisations.

Watch: Jason Stathan and Jessica Alba discuss the making of the movie

While Alba frolics about in skimpy outfits across international locations ranging from Thailand to Cambodia, the ever-graceful Michelle Yeoh is reduced to cringe-worthy declarations like, “Those who are most hurt, heal the fastest”. Ugh.

As for the Oscar-winning old-timer Tommy Lee Jones, he’s embarrassingly inept as the marksman’s potential third victim.

Even the most charitable Jason Statham fan will likely feel aggrieved by this hyper-violent piece of fluff.

Watch: The trailer for Mechanic: Resurrection