The Mechanic

"Depth of character is traded for bloody broad strokes."

"Frantic, numbing redo of the Charles Bronson original for hardcore Statham and action fans only."

"Tells a story as old as "Hamlet" in a style as new as unbaked bread. What's the point?"

"On his opening assignment Statham drowns a drugs kingpin in his pool and then starts pedalling the corpse's arms and legs in order to convince the security goons that yes, their boss is still alive and kicking. If you buy that, you'll believe anything – and everything – that follows."

"A sputtering remake in need of a more powerful recharge."

"The result is just good enough to pass as an action flick you watch with the forgiving gaze that comes from too many beers and too little sleep."

"In the end, The Mechanic proves that while revenge is a dish best served cold, revenge movies are best served with fire in the belly."

"It's a cut above the Eurotrashy Transporter sequels, and may offer Britain's most popular export since Cheryl Cole a promising new franchise."

"Statham is a model of control; he's steely and graceful in his action scenes, and his interplay with the wiry Foster delivers the goods."