The Mechanic
"Someone has to fix the problems."
Arthur Bishop is known in his shadowy world as a mechanic, a top level hit man who treats each job like a surgical procedure. He values precision, restraint, and a cold calm that keeps emotions out of the equation. His reputation is built on clean eliminations and flawless timing, a profession... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: January 25, 2026
About The Mechanic
Arthur Bishop is known in his shadowy world as a mechanic, a top level hit man who treats each job like a surgical procedure. He values precision, restraint, and a cold calm that keeps emotions out of the equation. His reputation is built on clean eliminations and flawless timing, a profession where failure is not an option. When his mentor and close ally Harry McKenna is murdered, a new dynamic erupts: Harry's son Steve arrives carrying rage and a desire to learn the trade, challenging Bishop to pass on hard won techniques. A tense partnership forms, balancing Bishop's cool detachment with Steve's raw ambition. As the pair work together, the line between mentor and pupil grows increasingly complicated.
Directed by Simon West, The Mechanic reimagines the older tale with a contemporary edge. Script is by Richard Wenk, drawing on Lewis John Carlino's original concept, making this a modernization of the classic assassin story.
Box office details are not highlighted in widely available data for this title. Public sources do not emphasize its commercial performance, suggesting the film had a modest run rather than a blockbuster footprint.
The film did not receive major award nominations, and no prominent wins are listed in the available records. This reflects its status as a mainstream action thriller rather than a critical trophy contender.
Critics gave The Mechanic a mixed reception, noting Jason Statham's controlled presence and the film's polished action sequences. The narrative centers on control, ethics, and the costs of living by a strict code, especially when mentorship becomes a test of loyalty and restraint. The collaboration between Bishop and Steve highlights the tension between professional fluency and personal attachment, with the dialogue and pacing drawing some praise while others found the pace uneven. The film holds an average of about 6.5 out of 10 from 3477 votes, signaling broad but uneven appeal.
Details
- Release Date
- January 13, 2011
- Runtime
- 1h 33m
- Rating
- R
- User Ratings
- 3,485 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Action, Thriller, Crime
- Country
- United States
- Collection
- Mechanic Collection
- Studio
- CBS Films +3 more
- Budget
- $40,000,000
- Box Office
- $51,070,807
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Jason Statham
Arthur Bishop
Ben Foster
Steve McKenna
Donald Sutherland
Harry McKenna
Mini Anden
Sara
Tony Goldwyn
Dean Sanderson
Christa Campbell
Kelly
Katarzyna Wolejnio
Maria
Jeff Chase
Burke
Eddie J. Fernandez
Lara's Guard
John McConnell
Vaughn
Director: Simon West
Written by: Richard Wenk, Lewis John Carlino