'The Mechanic' needs a tune up

Is there anyone Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) can’t kill? Not as far as Hollywood’s concerned. But it’d be nice if “The Mechanic” gave any indication that murdering for money is morally complex.

Many victims are pedophiles and drug dealers, so we’re instructed to think those murders are just fine. The few deaths we’re meant to be conflicted about are the other members of Statham’s assassination club.  

Statham may feign a sad look, but at the end of the film his biggest sacrifices appear to be possessions. After two hours of seeing money thrown at him for being “the best at what he does,” it’s hard to feel sorry about his tree house and muscle car.

The few female characters in “The Mechanic” are all too eager to have sex with the leads, as though Statham and Ben Foster’s heterosexualities need clarification. But ultimately, there’s not enough emotional connection between anyone in this film to make you care.