Plot: What’s it about?
I’m pretty sure that I’ve mentioned this before in my reviews, but there’s something about an actor find his/her niche that’s somewhat satisfying. I’m sure there are “true” actors out there that don’t want to be typecast, but I also know that a paycheck is a paycheck, no matter what role you play. It’s not like Jason Statham needs the money by any means, but he’s found something he’s good at and, well, it works…sometimes. For everyone of his films like The Italian Job or Crank, there’s The Beekeeper or a Fast and Furious film and then there are films like this. Let’s face it, how many gruff-voiced “tough guy” films do we need or does Jason Statham and Liam Neeson have them all covered? Nevertheless, let’s dive int and see where Mutiny falls in the pantheon of the cinema of Statham.
Mett Cole Reed (Jason Statham), a personal bodyguard to the owner of a shipping company in Bangkok. When his employer is murdered, he sets out for a little old-fashioned revenge to make the parties pay. This leads him aboard a cargo ship where he stows away and it’s helmed by Capt. Marko Madsen (Roland Møller). While on board Cole finds a container filled with victims of human trafficking and he makes it his second priority to help them along with some help from the ship’s third mate – Angie (Annabelle Wallis). She serves the purpose of being his liaison as well as being, well, an attractive female because this is a “guy” movie after all.
Likely you’ll know what to expect just by looking at the cover and/or having any passing knowledge of Statham’s past work. That’s not a bad thing. While this isn’t one of his higher-tier films, it does manage to entertain and if it’s that sort of mindless entertainment that you’re after – this delivers. Director Jean-François Richet has had more misses than hits, though I did enjoy his last film – Plane, so I was hoping for a repeat of that. This isn’t that, but as I said above – it serves it purpose. And at only 95 minutes, this isn’t a huge investment of your time so you can take solace in that. If you like this sort of film – it delivers and if not, there are plenty of others to choose from.
Video: How’s it look?
I have to imagine that anything in 4K will give us the best example of seeing Statham’s five o’clock shadow. What’s that mean, exactly? I have no idea. But Lionsgate’s 4K 2.00:1 HEVC 4K image does the job and does it well. Mutiny might not win any awards for acting or screenwriting, but it does look nice on my TV. Colors pop, detail leaps off the screen, contrast is nice – we know the drill. I was just trying to think of the last, if any, time we’ve seen Statham with hair? Anyone? Suffice it to say, this one delivers a good movie-watching experience.
Audio: How’s it sound?
Lionsgate brings Mutiny to 4K with an English Dolby Atmos soundtrack, and this action-heavy Jason Statham vehicle is a natural fit for the format. The mix has plenty of opportunities to put a home theater system through its paces, with the clatter of machinery, the roar of engines, and the sharp crack of gunfire providing a steady stream of activity. The shipboard setting also gives the soundscape a distinctive industrial character, with metallic impacts and environmental effects helping establish the cramped, dangerous surroundings.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Theatrical Trailer
The Bottom Line
Audiences really didn’t embrace this one and judging by the box office numbers, we won’t see another. Check your mind at the door and you’ll have fun. Lionsgate’s 4K disc looks and sounds amazing, though the only extra is a theatrical trailer. Enjoy.
