Legendary tough guy Jason Statham teams up with director Ric Roman Waugh for his annual winter season action flick in “Shelter” from Black Bear. Ward Perry writes the film’s screenplay.
Mason (Statham) is a man living in exile on a remote Scottish island with only a dog for a companion. From time to time, he receives supply deliveries from a man and his niece, Jesse (Bodhi Rae Breathnach). Naturally, Jesse is curious about Mason and ignores her uncle’s warning to leave Mason be. However, her meddling during a storm forces Mason to spring into action and rescue her, unleashing a perilous sequence of events that culminates in an attack on his home, compelling him to face his turbulent history.
When Statham made his debut in 1998’s “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” nearly thirty years ago, I instantly recognized him as a talent to watch. Four years later, he broke through in the surprise action hit “The Transporter,” and since then, he has carved out a niche in the action genre. The film’s director, Ric Roman Waugh, has also established his footing with testosterone-fueled films that focus on everyday men in dire situations.
Fresh off the PG-13 rated “Greenland 2: Migration”, Waugh shifts gears to a Hard R film. Perry’s script takes its time to establish a relationship between Mason and Jesse. Cinephiles and everyday movie fans may find the relationship a bit cliched, but it does work primarily because of the chemistry between Statham and Breathing. The plot device that put Mason on the authorities’ radar works for the film.
The film’s supporting cast includes Bill Nighy as Mason’s former handler, Daniel Mays as a former ally, and Naomi Ackie as Nighy’s protégée, whom he hopes will take over for him. All three actors do what they can with the material, though I must admit that if somewhat lesser-known names had been in the roles, the film’s impact wouldn’t have changed.
Thankfully, Waugh wisely casts Vryan Viger as James Workman, an agent as deadly as Mason, who is trying to track him down. I recognized Vigier from last year’s remake of “The Killer,” and while his filmography primarily consists of stunt work, he more than proves himself here, and hopefully, we see more of him on screen.
Despite the familiarity of the plot and the slow build, Waugh keeps it moving at a solid enough pace that, when the action does occur, you can’t help but crack a smile. “Shelter” may be a textbook “Statham”, but the man knows his audience and the film delivers what you expect.
Final Grade: B-
“Shelter” opens in theaters this Friday.
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