You don’t know me. You’re about to.”
Jason Statham had a busy 2023. He returned with Meg 2: The Trench, the direct sequel to the 2018 film The Meg, reprising the role of Jonas Taylor. Before, he starred in two major action films, Fast X and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, cementing his place as a modern action star. Known mostly for his tough-guy persona, not many people know that Statham can also excel greatly in other roles.
Indeed, Statham’s career is far more diverse than many think, with the actor starring in comedies and even a few dramas showing the range of work he is capable of. Some of his projects have received positive critical reviews, achieving high rankings on the popular review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, which may change fans’ perceptions of him as a one-dimensional action figure
10. ‘Wrath of Man’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes Scores: 67%
The 2021 action thriller Wrath of Man is among Guy Ritchie‘s most pleasantly surprising movies. It follows Patrick Hill (Statham), a mysterious and highly s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed security guard who is employed by an armored truck company and joins the team to protect valuable cash deliveries. However, it becomes evident that Hill has a hidden agenda and a personal vendetta.
Statham’s portrayal of Hill is filled with brooding intensity, as he effortlessly exudes a sense of quiet authority and controlled rage. Moreover, Wrath of Men blends action, suspense, and crime drama elements with exciting sequences, surprising twists, and a gritty atmosphere, making it a very engaging movie despite not possessing Ritchie’s trademark numerous-narratives style. Moreover, Statham can also show off his aptitude for playing complicated, multidimensional characters thanks to this performance, which contrasts with his typical parts.
9. ‘The Fate of the Furious’ (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 67%
Serving as the eighth installment in the Fast & Furious franchise, The Fate of the Furious continues to explore the adventures of Dominic Toretto’s (Vin Diesel) crew and their high-stakes missions. This time, Dom is coerced into working for a cyberterrorist named Cipher (Charlize Theron). Statham plays Deckard Shaw, a former British special forces assassin seeking redemption and reconciliation with the crew after his villainous actions in a previous film.
Shaw reluctantly joins forces with the crew to take down Cipher. Statham plays Shaw with ferocity and charisma despite getting little screen time, fusing a gruff demeanor with tender and humorous moments. The Fate of the Furious received positive reviews for its over-the-top approach and Theron’s wicked performance. It was also a major box office hit, and while it doesn’t necessarily rank among the best Fast and Furious movies, The Fate of the Furious works as a thrilling action film and a solid entry into one of the most consistent modern franchises.
8. ‘The Expendables 2’ (2012)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 67%
Serving as the sequel to The Expendables, The Expendables 2 are enlisted for a seemingly routine assignment involving a simple payback mission. However, things take a dangerous turn when one of their own is brutally 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed on the job. Seeking revenge, the Expendables embark on a mission of not only recovering a stolen item but also to avenge their fallen comrade.
Statham portrays Lee Christmas, one of the core members of the Expendables team, who is a s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed and resourceful marksman specializing in close-quarter combat and handling heavy weaponry. The Expendables 2 was praised for its nostalgic value and star-studded cast, although some critics found the plot to be formulaic and lacking depth. Yet, Statham’s performance is commendable, showcasing his signature blend of charisma, wit, and physicality, reinforcing his position as a fan-favorite character. The film is also a suitable addition to The Expendables franchise, which has proven far stronger than anyone could’ve anticipated.
7. ‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 67%
Serves as a spin-off from the Fast & Furious franchise, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw focuses on the titular characters, played by Dwayne Johnson and Statham. Hobbs and Shaw must work together to stop a dangerous cybernetically-enhanced terrorist named Brixton Lore (Idris Elba), who is determined to obtain a virus that could threaten humanity’s future.
Critics and audiences widely praised Statham’s performance in Hobbs & Shaw. He is known for his intense and charismatic presence on screen, and his portrayal of Deckard Shaw in the film was no exception. Despite mixed reviews, Hobbs & Shaw is a thrilling action flick with excessive bloodshed, wild stunts, and tons of amusing banter between the main protagonists.
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6. ‘The Italian Job’ (2003)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 72%
The Italian Job follows a proficient thief named Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg), who leads a team of s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed criminals. After a successful gold heist in Venice, their teammate, Steve (Edward Norton), betrays them and leaves them for dead, taking the gold for himself. Driven by revenge and the desire to retrieve their stolen loot, Charlie and his crew plan an elaborate heist to steal the gold back.
Statham played Handsome Rob, a s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed wheelman and member of the heist crew. His performance received praise for his ability to add humor to the movie, which offered comedic relief and gave the role a fun edge. Moreover, The Italian Job is a very entertaining heist movie that combines action, tension, and humor. It is well renowned for its elegant and suspenseful car chases.
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5. ‘Snatch’ (2000)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74%
Guy Ritchie’s crime comedy Snatch follows multiple interconnected storylines that revolve around the world of organized crime in London. The story mainly focuses on a stolen diamond that causes chaos and draws various eccentric characters into its orbit. Statham portrayed Turkish, a small-time boxing promoter.
Despite having fewer opportunities than in his other films to display his action and comedy s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, Statham still excelled, making him one of the better aspects of the picture. Snatch is the film that put Guy Ritchie on the map and remains among his best works, demonstrating his unique ability to create great mobster and crime movies.
4. ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ (1998)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%
Written and directed by Guy Ritchie, Love, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels marked his directorial debut. The film follows a group of four friends in London who find themselves in deep debt after a rigged card game. In an attempt to repay their debt, they plan a heist on a local gang, which leads to a series of comedic and chaotic situations. Statham plays Bacon, a streetwise and humorous character with a knack for card games and a love for shotguns.
A major breakthrough for Statham, the film helped launch his career and marked the first of many collaborations between him and Ritchie. Despite a tepid initial reception, Love, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels has since gained cult status and is renowned for its elegant direction, clever language, and ensemble cast.
3. ‘The Bank Job’ (2008)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%
Based on a true story, The Bank Job follows a group of amateur thieves who plot and carry out a bank robbery in London’s Baker Street area in 1971. However, they soon realize that the heist is not as straightforward as they initially thought. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that the bank’s vault contains compromising photographs of prominent political figures, which triggers a chain of events involving intelligence agencies, criminals, and high-ranking officials.
The Bank Job offers a fascinating insight into criminals, their equally dishonest rivals on the other side of the law, and several hoodlums who operate in the gray area. Although not as popular as other entries in the genre, this clever effort is a successful and compelling movie about bank robberies. Statham played Terry Leather, the leader of the group planning the heist. He brought his signature intensity and physicality to the character. It also showcased his ability to handle both action-packed scenes and more dramatic moments.
2. ‘Furious 7’ (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%
Furious 7 is the seventh installment in the Fast & Furious film franchise. After the events of the previous film, Deckard Shaw (Statham) seeks revenge on Dominic Toretto and his crew for the injuries sustained by his brother Owen Shaw (Luke Evans). Meanwhile, the family is also being pursued by a covert government agency led by Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell).
Furious 7 emphasizes the family motif that has come to rule the franchise and includes some crazy stunts. Furthermore, it’s a touching send-off to the late Paul Walker, lending this piece more emotional weight than would otherwise be the case. Statham’s Deckard Saw is among the best villains in the Fast and Furious movies, with the actor delivering a menacing yet wholly entertaining performance.
1.. ‘Spy’ (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Paul Feig‘s Spy follows Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy), a desk-bound CIA analyst who volunteers to go undercover as a field agent when the identities of all active undercover agents are compromised and to avenge the death of her partner. Her mission takes her across Europe as she attempts to track down a deadly weapon and uncover the identity of the dangerous arms dealer, Rayna Boyanov (Rose Byrne). Statham played the character Rick Ford, a highly s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed but overly confident and bumbling spy.
Spy is a comedic departure from Statham’s usual tough-guy persona. He fully embraced the absurdity of the character, delivering his lines with impeccable comedic timing and exaggerated expressions. Anchored by a never-better McCarthy, Spy is arguably the 21st century’s best spy comedy and a brilliant showcase for Statham’s impressive comedic abilities.
Source: collider.com
