The 2000s turnedJason Stathaminto a global star, but the 2010s were even better. In the decade, he became more prolific, starring in an average of two movies per year. Most of the films were the standard punch-em-up type, but audiences ate them all up. However, Statham was also experimental. The British actor starred in an animated movie as well as a comedy movie, both of which were received well.
In the 2010s, Jason Statham also joined one of the world’s biggest movie franchises:Fast & Furious.The move was a major boost for his career, establishing him as one of the world’s most bankable stars. Unfortunately, he refused to reprise his role in the franchise that made him famous:Transporter. Most fans would have loved to see him play Frank Martin again, but he claimed the money wasn’t right. Neither was the script. Still, you can never say never in Hollywood.
Here is how Statham’s 2010s work ranks, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
20'13' (2010)
Tomatometer: 7%
Vince (Sam Riley) from13has just intercepted a letter whose intended recipient is dead. It talks abouta mysterious tournament offering millions of cash in rewards. For a man going through tough times, there is no other choice.He assumes the dead man’s identity and joins the games. Once there, he is forced to risk his life for the amusement of wealthy citizens, including one played by Statham.
Less Statham, Less Fun
The film is a remake of13 Tzamétiby Georgian-French director Géla Babluan and offers pretty much the same thrills, but it has a different visual palette, thriving in color instead of the original’s black and white. All the key actors put in charged-up performances, too, including Mickey Rourke and 50 Cent. Unfortunately, much of the plot is senseless, so most professional critics panned it, describing it as“a blistering, bad cartoon.”
19’Killer Elite' (2011)
Tomatometer: 27%
They gotta pay!Killer Elite’sDanny Bryce (Jason Statham) isa special ops agent enjoying life in exile until someone captures his mentor,Hunter (Robert De Niro). Instead of going theone-man-army routelike other Statham characters, Dannyassembles a team of commandos and heads to the site. But nothing will be easy.
Wasting a Great Cast
There’s too much talent in Killer Elite, so audiences are treated to better acting than they normally get in Jason Statham movies. Even better, the filmhas roots in reality. Unfortunately, the character development is non-existent. The critics' consensus labels it“a rote, utterly disposable Statham vehicle that just happens to have Clive Owen and Robert De Niro in it."
18’Wild Card' (2015)
Tomatometer: 30%
Based on William Goldman’s 1985 novel, Heat, and the 1986 Burt Reynolds movie,Wild Cardstars Statham as Nick Wild, a no-nonsense Las Vegas bodyguard addicted to gambling.When a gangster assaults his escort friend, he hands instant punishment. But then the mob comes after him.
One Man Against the Mob
Cooked by renowned action director Simon West (Tomb Raider, Con Air,andThe Expendables 2),Wild Cardis a refreshing peek at the dark side of Vegas.It’s also consideredan improvement of the Burt Reynolds version. But it offers nothing other than a**kicking. Critics acknowledged that“hardcore Jason Statham fans may enjoy parts ofWild Card,“but were not willing to recommend it, declaring that“all other action aficionados need not apply.”
17’Mechanic: Resurrection' (2016)
Tomatometer: 31%
Mechanic: Resurrection
Contract killer Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) is lying low in Brazil in the opening minutes ofMechanic: Resurrection. But he isforced to get active again when an old foe kidnaps his lover, Gina (Jessica Alba).The man wants Bishop to kill several high-profile targets, or else…
Arm-twisting and Arm twister
Much credit goes to cinematographer Daniel Gottschalk for painting pictures as beautifully as Eugène Delacroix and to the stunt coordinator, who unfortunately wasn’t credited.The pool assassin sceneis amazing. But that’s all, folks. Critics felt this mechanic didn’t deserve to be resurrected, stating that“with little to recommend beyond a handful of entertaining set pieces,Mechanic: Resurrectionsuggests this franchise should have remained in its tomb."
Jason Statham’s Favorite Movies (And Where to Watch Them)
We all have our favorite Jason Statham movie. But which movies does the actor like? Here’s what he revealed.
16’The Expendables 3' (2014)
Tomatometer: 32%
The Expendables 3
There are more expendables inTheExpendables 3,and they have a bigger job on their hands. The group’s co-founder, Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson), is now a ruthless arms dealer eager to take down the mercenary unit he helped create.Of course, the rest won’t let him have his way.
Third Time’s Not a Charm
TheExpendables 3is more remembered for a behind-the-scenes incident than for its quality. Statham almost died whena brake malfunction caused the truck to plunge off the pierduring a dock chase scene in Somalia. Most of the action stars don’t impress. The film’s only saving grace is the humorous dialogue. Keep an ear out for when Wesley Snipes’ character gets asked what he went to prison for. Critics made comparisons, saying that"like its predecessors, TheExpendables 3offers a modicum of all-star thrills for old-school action thriller aficionados.”However, they felt that“given all the talent assembled, it should have been a lot more fun.”
15’Parker' (2013)
Tomatometer: 41%
Parker (Jason Statham) fromParkeris one of the world’s renowned heist kings.When his latest robbery goes south, he puts himself on the sidelines,causing his former partners to turn on him. He thus vows vengeance,joining forces with Leslie (Jennifer Lopez), a real estate agent, to hijack the group’s next big score.
Smooth Criminal
The final word from critics is that“Parkeris a thoroughly generic and convoluted heist movie.“You’ll find it hard to disagree while watching, but you’ll be impressed by the visuals and by how smooth Statham is. He is almost Bond-like, especially during his interactions with Jennifer Lopez. This sure is one bad movie you should watch.
14’The Expendables' (2010)
Tomatometer: 42%
The Expendables
InThe Expendables, a team of elite mercenaries led by Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), arehired to overthrow a supposedly malevolent dictator in Vilena, an island in the Gulf of Mexico. However, they discover thatthe real villain is rogue CIA agent James Munroe (Eric Roberts), who has the country’s ruler under his thumb. How will they handle the matter?
Testosterone Fest
Reminding us of the good old ‘80s and ‘90s, when macho men punched people and ran around with guns, the film entertains on the same level as the genre’s old productions. And Statham doesn’t look out of place among the older guys. But Rotten Tomatoes-certified critics felt audiences deserved more thrills, given the star-studded cast, concluding thatThe Expendables“makes good on the old-school action it promises, but given all the talent on display, the action flick should hit harder.”
13’Homefront' (2013)
InHomefront, Phil Broker (Statham), a retired DEA agent, leads a peaceful life in a small Louisiana town with his daughter. He soon finds himself in trouble with a local crime boss when he beats up a parent after a school bullying incident.
Don’t Mess with Family
Homefronthas one of the most heartwarmingdaddy-daughter dynamics. And that gas station fight scene… it is beautiful. So are many others. However, critics derided it for failing to distinguish itself. Their verdict:“While it boasts a capable cast, the disappointingly dullHomefronthearkens back to classic action thrillers without adding anything to the genre.'
12’The Meg’' (2018)
Tomatometer: 47%
There is a new (or rather old) kind of threat inThe Meg. Previouslythought to be extinct, the 75-foot-long (23 m) megalodon has returned and is now causing havoc in the oceans. To curb the menace,a visionary oceanographer recruits famous rescue diver Jonas Taylor (Statham)to stop the animal.
Big Budget Movie With Gripping B-Movie Thrills
RT-certified critics concluded that"The Megsets audiences up for a good old-fashioned B-movie creature feature, but lacks the genre thrills—or the cheesy bite—to make it worth diving into.“But don’t have too much faith in their words. This movie is fun and refreshing, putting Statham in a space we’ve never seen before. It’s fun to see him fighting something other than henchmen and crime bosses. Credit also goes to the creature design team.
11’Blitz' (2011)
Tomatometer: 48%
Someone’s killing cops tied to the South East London law enforcement scene. Who are they, and what do they want?DS Tom Brant (Statham) is tasked with hunting the psycho down.But we can tell, right from the opening minutes, that this cat-and-mouse game will be anything but straightforward inBlitz.
Hunter Vs Hunted
A Jason Statham movie that feels more like a neo-noir than an action thriller? That’s new, but it works. When there is nothing to smile about, it helps to have an actor who knows how to put on a serious facial expression. Statham’s that guy. But there are some flaws. About it, critics said: “A middling crime thriller largely assembled from wearyingly familiar parts,Blitzsacks a game Jason Statham’s performance behind the line of genre scrimmage.“A fair assessment.
