The Mechanic (2011)

Jason Statham is Arthur Bishop in this remake of Charles Bronson's classic The Mechanic (1972). For those unfamiliar, Mechanic in this case means assassin. Growing up the Bronson version was one of my favorites and I used to terrorize my family with the 'lickin' chicken' line whenever I could. I'm going to state my bias right up front, nothing will replace the original for me. That said what we do have is an entertaining film with Stratham doing what Statham does best.. kick ass. Interestingly enough however, the big fight scene features Bishop's half pint apprentice in a rock-em sock-em slug fest of death with a mountainous homosexual hit man. Lots to like for Stratham fans, adrenaline junkies, and people who like the screen bristling with flashes and noise. There are some clever subtleties, like the first hit, that deserve praise as well as some story tweaking that removes any hint of the humor of the first. They do keep half the memorable ending however which came as a great relief. A bucket of Chicken Lickin'. Recommended.