IR Film Review: MUTINY [Lionsgate]

Jason Statham is a chameleon of the action genre. He knows his strengths but also has enough range and charm to make any concept work. Working within his own vehicles, he has figured out the longevity of these mid range pictures that sell well internationally (and he also produces). This film which was likely originally called "Boat" because it was supposed to reteam Gerard Butler and the director of Plane. Supposedly the deal fell apart. Statham pics up the mantle easily. "Mutiny" is effective and not unlike "Under Siege" in a way using a boat as a structure with a bigger foe awaiting back on land. The set up here makes sense and keys a little bit of "The Transporter" into it which is what kicked off Statham’s career.

Here, he plays a bodyguard/confidant to a shipping magnate who is selling his company to help his son. Obviously wires get crossed, people get greedy and things go wrong. Statham’s Cole Reed thinks quickly, gets pissed off and goes after the assailants who happen to be on a cargo ship leaving that night from Bangkok, Thailand. Anabelle Wallis is an American third mate who gets called back to the ship even though she is supposed to be off. This of course is just a plot ploy to have a woman on the ship with all these men trying to kill each other. It balances well that being said. The character isn’t as dynamic as Statham’s last in "Shelter". But he delivers the goods across the board here as usual. Taking over the Bruce Willis mantle is not easy but Statham finds his stride and he appeals to a wide swath of moviegoers. There is of course a suspension of disbelief especially when the US Navy steps in because there is a lack of follow through on certain things. But the movie needs to reach its conclusion. "Mutiny" has its faults but it also ticks the boxes it is supposed to deliver another effective Statham vehicle. 82/B/B-

By Tim Wassberg