The Mechanic

I’m not a big Jason Statham fan, but he does some of his best work to date in this remake of a Charles Bronson film about an assassin taking on the son of his latest kill as a student. Ben Foster proves mighty capable as an action star, bringing some real emotion to the gunfights. Director Simon West (who did the obscenely fun Con Air and a bunch of crap movies after it) packs in some good action scenes, including a terrific finale where all sorts of things and persons blow up, big-time. This movie isn’t great by any means, but those who like their action with a little soul will dig it. No actor has improved more in the last five years than Ben Foster. I used to dread his presence in films; now I can’t wait to see him.