Jason Statham is “Parker,” a new action film directed by Taylor Hackford. The film is based on the character created by Richard Stark (aka Donald E. Westlake) in a series of novels beginning with “The Hunter.”
Synopsis: A thief with a unique code of professional ethics is double-crossed byhis crew and left for dead. Assuming a new disguise and forming anunlikely alliance with a woman on the inside, he looks to hijack thescore of the crew’s latest heist.
Thoughts: Last time I checked, Parker was not British, bald nor a muscle-bound fighting machine. Statham is likable enough and talented enough, and he’s one of the only real action stars left today, but he’s not playing Parker because he isn’t Parker.
Mel Gibson was perfectly cast in the previous film adaptation of Stark’s classic character in “Payback.” Gibson captured Parker’s look and raw attitude and fit the bill very well. Now, Statham is taking over and he’s playing … Statham. Who knows? There is a lot of talent to go around here especially behind the scenes. Hackford of “Ray” fame is picking up the camera for this one, and the trailer does suggest a strong film.
Hopefully, Statham can overcome some of the obvious set backs and capture the fun of the books in his portrayal of one of the most interesting fictional criminals of all time.
“Parker” hits theaters Jan. 25, 2013.