Post by Martin Brophy and Mark Evans

Our two site reviewers have distinct styles and opinions.  What are their thoughts on the latest Jason Statham film “Mutiny”?  Will they agree and share similar sentiments?

In the action-thriller Mutiny, former special forces operative and head of security Cole Reed (Jason Statham) is forced on the run after witnessing the assassination of his billionaire industrialist boss and being ruthlessly framed for the crime. Trapped on the defensive and hunted aboard a container ship at sea, Reed embarks on a relentless one-man mission to clear his name, ultimately unravelling a vast and deadly international conspiracy.

Online synopsis 

While I know Jason Statham might admit he’s not the greatest actor, he’s a brilliant action hero. I’ve enjoyed watching his films for years and I’ve probably seen most of them.

I was a bit concerned about this film because Sky Cinema is also promoting it as a Sky Original. While these films are usually quite good they can sometimes feel like budget TV movies. Would this be any different?

Thankfully, that wasn’t the case, and the film must have had a fairly decent budget. Based at sea on a cargo ship, Statham is in usual form, delivering high-action and believable fight sequences. But, Statham is playing typical Statham on the big screen as you would expect.

The backstory and pacing are a bit slow at the start and middle but thankfully pick up towards the end. While the basic story premise is typical of a Statham action film, I’m not sure it was all essential; it felt more like paint-by-numbers. The fight sequences are good throughout and I particularly enjoyed the final fight between Statham and the ship’s captain (Roland Møller). Adrian Lester appears but is more of a cameo than a significant role. His appearance feels almost pointless and yet again he plays an American with a questionable accent.

The audience seemed to be generally enjoying themselves, remaining mostly quiet except for occasional gasps at the action. While I didn’t sense anyone raving about the film when leaving, the strangest feedback I heard was that the ship wasn’t big enough!

I’d suggest streaming this instead of shelling out for a cinema ticket. While it’s enjoyable for Statham action fans, it’s predictable and lacking in surprises. Cinema viewing is really strictly for Statham fans only.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3

I want to start this review with the caveat that I love action films. I’m a huge fan of the John Wick series, I love all the old 80’s action films, largely starring the likes of Stallone, Arnie and Bruce Willis. And I’ve enjoyed some of Jason Statham’s films, especially those inside the Guy Ritchie bubble. With that said…let’s get into it!

In Mutiny, Statham plays Cole Reed, and ex Royal Marine turned British Bobby turned convicted criminal, turned bodyguard framed for murder, and out for revenge. Where have I seen a film like this before? Oh yeah, almost every Jason Statham vehicle since Snatch. What’s next? A Sandwich Artist turned Swimming Pool Lifeguard, turned Traffic Warden framed for not returning a rented Blu-Ray, and out to prove his innocence?

If you’re looking for a good action film, you can do worse than Mutiny, but that’s not a particularly high bar. The action choreography is entertaining to a point. The acting is terrible on all fronts. I expected more from Annabelle Wallace. Sure, she’s beautiful to watch but her skills as an actor are wasted here. Statham sleeps his way through this film, just like 98% of what he stars in, and don’t get me started on Adrian Lester with what must be one of the worst American accents outside of Ewan McGregor’s effort in The End of Oak Street!

One of my biggest gripes with this film, is that all the way throughout this affair, the bad guys just keep on coming. It felt like there was an infinite supply of henchmen for Statham to kick, punch and shoot his way through. Was I watching a film, or was I observing a Call of Duty game? I’m still not sure.

The story is thinner than a sheet of paper. So thin I forgot it existed until the very end, with the reveal being very predictable. The main villain is forgettable, and in no way threatening or memorable for that matter. The direction is sloppy and uninspired, as is the script, which has as much weight as a desiccated feather. There’s no style here, just messy substance which isn’t very interesting or compelling. Even the audience in part agreed, as two separate people left the screening half way through!

In essence, this is Jason Statham, playing Jason Statham in Jason Statham: The Movie!

I can’t recommend this tripe. Given the chance to watch it again, ill opt for watching my fingernails grow instead.

Views are shared on weak story that is paper thin. Martin appears to be more of a Statham fan and Mark feeling that action fans will be disappointed. The main difference is on score, with Mark advising to pass up on this one and Martin recommending to stream only.

What are your thoughts? Please comment and share your views below.

Certification: 15
Running time: 95 minutes
Screening type: 2D