Statham's 'Mechanic' Remake Lands 'Con Air' Director

When it was announced recently that Jason Statham would star in a remake of The Mechanic, a 1972 Charles Bronson hitman movie, there were strong hints that Simon West would come aboard to direct. Variety now confirms that news, adding that it will shoot this summer in Shreveport, Louisiana. Statham will play a hitman who trains the son of one of his victims all the ins and outs of the trade; it's like a Big Brothers program for contract killers, which is nice because these days so many aspiring young murderers for hire don't have that kind of mentorship. What does West bring to the table as a director? Possibly a decent amount, if you're talking commercial appeal. He made a splash with Con Air and also directed the first Tomb Raider movie, but since then the only feature film he's directed is the remake of When a Stranger Calls. Say what you will about Con Air, I think I'd take that over the Stranger Calls remake any day. Unfortunately, I'm not in love with the quality of any of his films, and even though Nu Image/Millenium is throwing around quite a bit of money these days (including building a new studio in Louisiana), I doubt this is going to have a huge price tag. I really don't think he's cut out to make gritty low-budget stuff, but I think we'll see that test firsthand with The Mechanic. It's a little more serious in tone than Statham's usual résumé fillers, along the lines of The Bank Job, which is easily the best film he's made as the leading man. The irony is, of course, that he'll be working with a director more cut out to make one of those Transporter movies instead.

Comments

[lara petersen]

Not sure about a remake with Statham, because I loved the original. It will always remain my favorite Charles Bronson movie. If they do attempt a remake, I hope it's a good one.