Jason Statham's Duds: Five of the Worst Movies He Has Been In

Jason Statham has a successful career in the action genre, blessed with a distinctive persona. Yet, like many actors, he has also ventured into projects that garnered negative reviews. Below, we explore some of the worst films he has been associated with, based on audience and critical feedback.

1. In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale (2007)

Directed by the notorious director Uwe Boll, In the Name of the King is a fantasy film that critics and audiences unanimously panned. Statham plays a farmer who transforms into a derring-do hero, but the film lacks coherence and substance. Issues with writing, acting, and poor production quality culminate in a movie that fails to engage viewers.

2. The Mechanic: Resurrection (2016)

The first film in the The Mechanic series received mixed reviews, but the sequel, Resurrection,, took a step back. Critics highlighted its formulaic plot and lack of character development. Despite having a notable cast, the film failed to live up to the original or captivate audiences in a meaningful way.

3. Transporter 2 (2005)

Despite being well-liked by some fans, many critics felt that Transporter 2 did not match the excellence of the original. The film came under criticism for its lack of coherence and its overreliance on a familiar formula. While the action sequences were impressive, the narrative lacked depth and coherence.

4. Killer Elite (2011)

Killer Elite is an action thriller that received mixed to negative reviews. Critics found the plot to be overly convoluted and the pacing slow, despite the presence of a strong cast. The film failed to maintain the intensity and energy expected of an action drama, leaving viewers underwhelmed.

5. Crank: High Voltage (2009)

Crank: High Voltage is another film that has polarized fans and critics alike. While some admirers praise its wild energy, many critics find it excessive and lacking in substance compared to the first installment. The film's density and frenetic pace make it difficult to follow, and it often feels like it is playing on tired tropes rather than innovating within the genre.

The Mechanic and Resurrection: A Double Disappointment

The 1972 The Mechanic starring Charles Bronson is a classic with a compelling plot and exceptional performance from Bronson. The 2011 remake, starring Jason Statham, fails to meet the same heights. In the original, a hitman suffering from insomnia takes in the reckless son of a victim, teaching him the tradecraft. A surprise twist leads to the hitman's demise. However, the 2016 Resurrection takes this to a new level of misguided puerility. Statham buys the hooker a puppy, and the remake's character, Steve McKenna (played by Ben Foster), is a far cry from the original's embodiment of darkness.

The finale of the 2011 remake implies that the main character Arthur Bishop survived, leaving room for a sequel. This decision, coupled with Jessica Alba's barefoot bikini scene, only served to sink the film further. The audience cringes as even Alba's star power is unable to save it from ridicule.

Conclusion

While these films may not have received the critical acclaim or commercial success Statham usually garners, they still showcase his unique persona as an action star. Despite their shortcomings, his dedicated fan base continues to appreciate and support his work, regardless of the critical reception.