I just left the theaters about 20 minutes ago . I like it
The movie might draw the usual criticisms. Statham essentially plays the same character that he's played in many of his other films. There are several plot holes (e.g. How can he walk away from a massacre so easily?). The story is predictable and trite. There are impossible tropes, such as a main character who somehow avoids getting shot when the bad guys fire a machine gun right at him
But even with all those "problems" -- the movie is good for just one reason: Jason Statham is so good in the role. He looks and acts the part, and the way he can impart elements of comedy without diminshing the vibe is mesmerizing. For example - even when he's interrogating someone or getting ready to break someone's nose, he can make you smile and laugh with a one-liner or even a mere glance. I just don't know how anyone could watch a Statham movie and not find him likable. When you watch this movie, you just can't help but get behind his character and pull for him to come through unharmed. I love the scenes involving him and his character's daughter too
The movie has some good fighting scenes, as most Statham movies do. The villains are alright,. I do feel that the missing girl brings down the film a few times. Without spoiling anything, I'll just say that we see her kick some butt and do other things to appear brave or charming. Instead, she came off as annoying. Nobody buys that this little girl could fight, and seeing her act brave and fearless in front of the villains took some magic off Statham's actions: Statham seems less brave when he confronts the bad Russian mafia because we see a little girl stand up to them. The girl should've played the scared and helpless damsel in distress
7.5/10.
