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

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

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