Rating: 
Summary: Bronson's Best!
Review: There are only a few of Charles Bronson's films that rank above watchable entertainment. The Mechanic is his best effort. I'm glad it finally made it to DVD! This one is defintely a picture worthy of anyone's collection!
Rating: 
Summary: The first film in Bronson's classic movie trifecta
Review: This film along with 'Mr. Majestyk' and 'Death Wish' represent Charles Bronson's early 70's classic movie trifecta. Though he created many memorable characters in a variety of films I believe his cinematic identity can be traced back directly to this trio. In each of them he creates an indelible character as only he could do - each film is uniquely Bronson, they belong to him and him alone. What this film has as its strength is it's central character, Arthur Bishop, who we watch with great interest. Bishop is a cultured, mannered, well-educated man; he has an appreciation for the arts and lives a solitary, isolated existence in a luxurious and extravagantly furnished house. Seeing him alone in this spacious dwelling influences us that he desperately needs someone - anyone - to make a positive connection with. A little later in the film he will pay a call girl to portray a mistress who has been pining away for him. Still later he sits idly by while a young woman commits suicide, coldly relating to her the statistical facts about her particular method of attempted suicide. Bishop is the son of a deceased criminal kingpin who continues to associate with his father's former cronies. He forms a bond with the son of one of them and that is what forms the crux of the story. The excellent screenplay concentrates more on character study than supplying a liberal amount of action sequences that typically augment so many movies of this genre - and this decision helps raise it to a higher level. Though the movie is relatively low-key for the most part there are the requisite action scenes that mark a typical Bronson film. Undoubtedly, the opening of 'The Mechanic' is among the most memorable introductory sequences for a film of the action genre. The first fifteen minutes of the film centers around the elimination of a drug dealer. Bronson studies his quarry with great precision, evocative of the style used in the popular television series 'Mission Impossible'. There is not a word of dialogue spoken; only background noises or incidental pieces of conversations on the street are present. There is an exciting motorcycle chase as well, punctuated with bits of humor; a car chase in Naples, punctuated by a gunfight, is also one of the highlights. But what makes `The Mechanic' a cult film favorite is the incredible double-twist ending that you don't see coming - and it makes for one of the most satisfying conclusions in film history. Other interesting features in `The Mechanic' include the "The Organization" that Bronson works for - it remains tantalizingly undefined. The people of the "contracts" that he fulfills are all criminal in nature and therefore they don't generate our sympathy. Except for the three pivotal role players no one else has a given name. This is done to underscore the detached and emotionless shells that such "mechanics" would naturally maintain. As the film progresses we get the impression that Bishop is going to "get out of the business" or somehow find his way out and settle for a sedate and stress less existence. Instead he becomes as vulnerable as the victims he has been preying on...or does he? Did he really fall into the trap set for him or did he allow himself to because he was convinced he couldn't escape? The screenplay doesn't answer that question definitively but it doesn't hurt the overall impact - it isn't over yet as we soon learn! If you are watching `The Mechanic' for the first time I envy you. If you are watching it for the first time in quite awhile you will be impressed all over again. Or you may be like me; unable to remember the number of times you have watched it but still can't wait to watch it again. Some final notes: The dated elements of this movie stand out rather sorely. Steve's house party complete with hippies and their brand of music and vernacular was already an anachronism when `The Mechanic' was made. The interior of the call girl's apartment is also hopelessly early 70's. The karate exhibition that Arthur and Steve attend is laughable as well. Before the exhibition begins Arthur tells Steve "the two masters won't actually hit each other because it would most certainly result in death." Regardless this fight sequence is poorly choreographed and is entirely unconvincing.
Rating:
Summary: The first film in Bronson's classic movie trifecta
Review: This film along with 'Mr. Majestyk' and 'Death Wish' represent Charles Bronson's early 70's classic movie trifecta. Though he created many memorable characters in a variety of films I believe his cinematic identity can be traced back directly to this trio. In each of them he creates an indelible character as only he could do - each film is uniquely Bronson, they belong to him and him alone. What this film has as its strength is it's central character, Arthur Bishop, who we watch with great interest. Bishop is a cultured, mannered, well-educated man; he has an appreciation for the arts and lives a solitary, isolated existence in a luxurious and extravagantly furnished house. Seeing him alone in this spacious dwelling influences us that he desperately needs someone - anyone - to make a positive connection with. A little later in the film he will pay a call girl to portray a mistress who has been pining away for him. Still later he sits idly by while a young woman commits suicide, coldly relating to her the statistical facts about her particular method of attempted suicide. Bishop is the son of a deceased criminal kingpin who continues to associate with his father's former cronies. He forms a bond with the son of one of them and that is what forms the crux of the story. The excellent screenplay concentrates more on character study than supplying a liberal amount of action sequences that typically augment so many movies of this genre - and this decision helps raise it to a higher level. Though the movie is relatively low-key for the most part there are the requisite action scenes that mark a typical Bronson film. Undoubtedly, the opening of 'The Mechanic' is among the most memorable introductory sequences for a film of the action genre. The first fifteen minutes of the film centers around the elimination of a drug dealer. Bronson studies his quarry with great precision, evocative of the style used in the popular television series 'Mission Impossible'. There is not a word of dialogue spoken; only background noises or incidental pieces of conversations on the street are present. There is an exciting motorcycle chase as well, punctuated with bits of humor; a car chase in Naples, punctuated by a gunfight, is also one of the highlights. But what makes 'The Mechanic' a cult film favorite is the incredible double-twist ending that you don't see coming - and it makes for one of the most satisfying conclusions in film history. Other interesting features in 'The Mechanic' include the "The Organization" that Bronson works for - it remains tantalizingly undefined. The people of the "contracts" that he fulfills are all criminal in nature and therefore they don't generate our sympathy. Except for the three pivotal role players no one else has a given name. This is done to underscore the detached and emotionless shells that such "mechanics" would naturally maintain. As the film progresses we get the impression that Bishop is going to "get out of the business" or somehow find his way out and settle for a sedate and stress less existence. Instead he becomes as vulnerable as the victims he has been preying on...or does he? Did he really fall into the trap set for him or did he allow himself to because he was convinced he couldn't escape? The screenplay doesn't answer that question definitively but it doesn't hurt the overall impact - it isn't over yet as we soon learn! If you are watching 'The Mechanic' for the first time I envy you. If you are watching it for the first time in quite awhile you will be impressed all over again. Or you may be like me; unable to remember the number of times you have watched it but still can't wait to watch it again. Some final notes: The dated elements of this movie stand out rather sorely. Steve's house party complete with hippies and their brand of music and vernacular was already an anachronism when 'The Mechanic' was made. The interior of the call girl's apartment is also hopelessly early 70's. The karate exhibition that Arthur and Steve attend is laughable as well. Before the exhibition begins Arthur tells Steve "the two masters won't actually hit each other because it would most certainly result in death." Regardless this fight sequence is poorly choreographed and is entirely unconvincing.
Rating: 
Summary: Bronson at the top of his game
Review: This is a great 70s movie. I haven't seen that many of Bronson's movies, but The Mechanic is by far the best of the ones I have seen. Bronson is a mechanic (or hitman) who is joined by Jan-Michael Vincent (who would later appear in the Airwolf TV show) as his apprentice. You're drawn in from the beginning even though there's no dialogue at all for several minutes. The planning and execution of the "hits" are cold and calculating, leaving the ultimate question of whether or not the apprentice will be able to succeed his master.
Rating:
Summary: The Mechanic
Review: This is a great Movie. Charles bronson stars as arthur Bishop, n eccentric and lonely hit man who is desperately seeking a friend to spend time with. The movie contains a very well thought out plot which has a suprising ending. I would recommend this movie to all fans of Charles Bronson. I am very suprised that this movie has not made it onto DVD. It really should be on DVD as soon as possible. What I don't understand is how so many movies which are not so popular or good manage to get onto DVD and this one hasn't.
Rating:
Summary: The Mechanic is Great
Review: This is an excellent movie. The plot is extremely interesting adn is a must for Bronson fans. This is an excellent example of the proverbial assassin or hit man. I absolutely loved this movie because of its characters and the methodical techniques he employs to kill his victims. why isn't this one on dvd.
Rating:
Summary: CHICKEN LICKIN' IS LICKIN' CHICKEN
Review: This one is definitely a classic from Bronson's (and Michael Winner's) heyday. Even 30 years after its release, it can still compete with what's released today. Granted, there have been major innovations in weaponry, hardware and extreme motocross since then, but the performances of Bronson and Vincent are beyond compare. A remake would only ruin it. As for bringing Mr. Majestyk and Telefon onto DVD, we approve of that plan, Mr. Bishop, click......
Rating:
Summary: CLASSIC THRILLER
Review: This thriller takes the cake. One of the best films I've ever seen. I became a Bronson fan after this movie. I don't want to say anything about the plot because the other reviewers have already covered enough. I agree with one of the other reviewers that it's too bad I can't give it 6 STARS.
Rent it, buy it whatever but definitely see it because you'll want to watch it over and over again and it gets better every time. TIMELESS CLASSIC.
Rating:
Summary: too bad there is no way to give it six stars...
Review: underated by a lot of people. Look beneath the surface and it is one deep film.
Rating:
Summary: Bronson At His Best!
Review: Without question this was one of Charles Bronson's best movies.
He plays a hit man who finally takes on a young trainee. This trainee is ably played by Jan Michael Vincent. It is very enter-
taining to watch the methods that Bronson uses to train his young understudy. Some of the actual contract jobs are also well shot and interesting to watch. These two made an interesting duo.
The ending was very surprising and will literally catch you off
guard. This is a very good video that you will enjoy. Buy it and watch it.
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