Jason Statham, in an image from 'The Mechanic.'
From the locally shot remake "The Mechanic" to the family dramas "Alabama Moon" and "That's What I Am" to a documentary on native son Louis Prima, this is a New Orleans-y week for home-video releases. Here's a rundown of today's new offerings. Release dates are subject to change.
The Mechanic
3 stars, out of 4
(R; 2010)
Director Simon West -- who is currently in town shooting the action-thriller "Medallion" with Nicolas Cage -- helms a solidly entertaining, New Orleans-shot remake of the 1972 Charles Bronson hitman film.
Like the original, it is a moody, atmospheric film, one boasting significantly more depth than your typical blow-'em-up. Make no mistake, though, things do get blown up. Peopleget blown up. And shot. And stabbed. And splattered messily on the sidewalk. This is a violent movie.
In it, Jason Statham plays the savvy assassin that Bronson played in the original, and Ben Foster plays the volatile young buck whom he takes under his wing (Jan Michael Vincent's role). Not long after -- and not entirely by coincidence -- things start spiraling out of control.
Tons of New Orleans scenery (and local faces) add to a solidly modernized script to result in a moody, taut thriller that does the original justice.
Continue Reading at NOLA.com for more releases.
The Mechanic
3 stars, out of 4
(R; 2010)
Director Simon West -- who is currently in town shooting the action-thriller "Medallion" with Nicolas Cage -- helms a solidly entertaining, New Orleans-shot remake of the 1972 Charles Bronson hitman film.
Like the original, it is a moody, atmospheric film, one boasting significantly more depth than your typical blow-'em-up. Make no mistake, though, things do get blown up. Peopleget blown up. And shot. And stabbed. And splattered messily on the sidewalk. This is a violent movie.
In it, Jason Statham plays the savvy assassin that Bronson played in the original, and Ben Foster plays the volatile young buck whom he takes under his wing (Jan Michael Vincent's role). Not long after -- and not entirely by coincidence -- things start spiraling out of control.
Tons of New Orleans scenery (and local faces) add to a solidly modernized script to result in a moody, taut thriller that does the original justice.
Continue Reading at NOLA.com for more releases.
