Parker

The main reason I decided to check out this film was the fact that Jason Statham was the star of it. I've said it  several times that Jason Statham is my favorite actor when it comes to action movies. He's just excellent at it.   Whenever he's fighting, I recognize the power and tension. It always looks legit and authentic. His performance in Parker was no different. He brought his game, added stunts and blood to it as well. He definitely showed that he still had what it takes to beat the hell out of those he could not consider his friends. That's the way it should be done.

Parker was an action-heist movie. At first I thought it would be an action-romance movie mainly because of the presence of Jennifer Lopez, but it wasn't. While it had some bits of romance and kissing, it was mainly a shoot and kill kind of movie. That's actually a surprise I gladly welcomed. Jennifer Lopez's character didn't serve as a love interest for Statham, she became an accomplice. I know what you're thinking, JLo with guns?  Yup, it happened. It's not a bad thing either. Actually her role here is quite different from her other roles I think. She wasn't just a pretty face here. She was a serious actress portraying a woman scared of her financial status. It was more drama for her character than charm. That was refreshing to see and she made sure she delivered.

In terms of story, I'd say it was a little bit general. The main story revolved around getting back at those who wronged Statham. (Why would you do that though? The guy can kick anyone's bottom) It started with a heist gone wrong and now he's back with nothing but his desire for revenge, and a little plan to take what the others took from him. Thus started a series of spying, and careful planning leading to his meeting with a real estate agent, Lopez. With the latter being in need of money, she volunteers to help Statham in whatever he was doing in exchange for a tiny portion of what he could earn.

The movie also enjoyed the brilliant performances of actors like Michael Chiklis and Clifton Collins Jr. Both of them were part of the gang that double crossed Statham's character. Chiklis was stern and firm in his portrayal as the leader. He definitely showcased himself in this movie, I thought.  Also proving to be an asset to the movie was Emma Booth who not only looked beautiful but also served as a mild gentle air to an otherwise passion filled movie. Nick Nolte also deserves a mention. The old guy still managed to reinforce his presence in the movie without doing much. The guy was great. 

I guess Statham's performance was what carried the movie for me. Although Lopez was just as impressive. I personally think that the story line of the movie was too general to gain buzz, or to have the advantage of word of mouth. It also wouldn't help, I think that it's not getting the box-office attention it wants. It was quite enjoyable though. A nice break, if you will. I personally found myself amused by different things and it solidified Statham's status as one of the best action stars. The action scenes were delightful, and the story line quite entertaining, especially with a few punch lines here and there. Statham and Lopez made a good tandem, and made the movie as charming as it could possibly be. 

You can follow me on twitter @sirfilmreviewer or email me at mrfilmreviewer@yahoo.com. You can also follow this blog by checking the right side of the page.