Plot: What’s it about?
It’s somewhat unusual to find a sequel to a remake when the original never had a sequel. That’s what we get with Mechanic: Resurrection. It’s been some time since I saw the 2011 entry, but it had its moments. It was far from Jason Statham’s best effort, but there were some memorable action sequences. It didn’t do very well at the box office, but the powers that be decided a sequel was the next route. While this entry likely won’t win over newcomers, it gives the intended audience exactly what they want and what they should expect. The plot is simple yet strong enough to carry us through the brief running time, and the action packs quite a punch. So as long as you go in with the right mindset and know what to expect, you shouldn’t walk away disappointed.
Once again Jason Statham plays Arthur Bishop. He’s sort of off the grid and living under the radar after he was supposedly killed in the previous film. Those who’ve seen that entry will know how things played out. We see a woman sit next to him one day revealing that she knows who he really is and offers him a job. A job she doesn’t expect him to refuse. She informs Bishop that her employer expects him to carry out three separate missions, taking out three people. There’s a pretty spiffy sequence where he manages to escape. Meanwhile, Bishop’s new girlfriend Gina (Jessica Alba) is kidnapped and it’s here that he decides to accept the mission offered to him earlier in the film. He’s to assassinate three different people, but they’re all supposed to look like accidents. The first task finds Bishop headed to prison to take out Thailand’s most infamous inmate and then escape the prison. This entire sequence is fun to see how it all plays out. The second mission is to murder a multi-millionaire in his luxurious suite. Portions of the sequence were shown in the trailers for the film and featured on the cover for the film. It is indeed quite exciting as Bishop literally hangs several stories above the ground. There are echoes to Tom Cruise’s daring stunt from Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. Bishops last mission brings in Tommy Lee Jones as Max Adams, an arms dealer who Bishop actually partners with. I won’t spoil more, but it’s fun to see how this element plays out. All this leaves this second chapter as an entertaining 90 some minute escapism. I enjoyed it for what it is.
Video: How’s it look?
We get a solid transfer here that displays sharp detail and contrast throughout. The image is AVC encoded with a 2.39:1 ratio. Colors are nice and cold and details evident throughout. Some of the earlier scenes where we see Bishop sitting by the beach also display strong details as well. I really can’t find a lot of negatives about this transfer. It displays the film strongly and fans should be pleased.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The Dolby True HD track also delivers the goods. There’s no shortage of action here and that’s where the track gets the most usage. The bass kicks in on numerous occasions. There are action scenes involving helicopters, yachts and several other things that show strong range continually. Vocals are strong as well. Like the transfer, this track satisfies and will please fans.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Engineering the sequel – Inside Mechanic: Resurrection – This is a brief (9 minute) feature which features the usual talking heads with cast and crew. It’s worth a watch, however, as there are some decent tidbits.
- Scoring the action film with Mark Isham – Is just that: a look at the film’s score. I’m never too interested in these pieces, but to each their own. Your mileage will vary.
- The Malaysian Prison – Is a short minute long feature that looks at Alcatraz.
- Michelle Yeoh, Secret Ally – Is another short feature on the actress.
- Statham on Stunts – Again, another short one taking a look at the actor and the stunts.
The Bottom Line
It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, nor is it entirely necessary, but Resurrection still delivers the goods so long as you’re not wanting more than that. I enjoyed the R rating and Statham in the role as well. I also feel it improves on the 2011 entry. It’s nice to see an action flick like this in a time where we don’t get very many. It also doesn’t overstay its welcome. The film comes recommended.
