Shelter

Better than I expected! If you liked Jason’s Jan 2024 Beekeeper, this is on the same level of quality. Seems to me film reviewers, both lay and pro, are not adapting to our cinematic times. There must be 1000 to 2000 action films similar to Jason Statham’s Jan 2026 Shelter. Seems to me, reviewers score movies like this based on originality. This is an error. Modern action movies are always going to recycle the same tropes. Who disputes this? The better metric is COMMITMENT. If an actioner like Shelter has committed a directing and acting, it should get a higher score than an actioner just “painting by the numbers.”Shelter is made with commitment. It’s directed with commitment. The actors are committed. The young girl is especially effective, an echo of the young Jennifer Lawrence here. She makes excellent use of her role and dialogue which are awfully familiar. Bill NIghy is effective in his supporting role. Shelter has one of the most effective soundtracks I’ve heard in a year or so, something like Tangerine Dream meets X-files (Michael Manring). Very appropriate and “pluses” plot points at every turn. Compare Shelter with the last few Aaron Eckhart actioners. I’m sad to say except for his first one or two actioners, Aaron’s films have been more “paint by number” with little commitment to distinguish them.

Decent Jason Statham movie although this movie has a lot more emotions than is usual for his movies; its good but more action would be preferable - leave the emotions for the other rubbish movies like Wuthering Heights etc. Simple plot but nobody cares about that really; its all about the action and there is slightly less of that but ok overall.

Shelter is a bone-breaking action film with unflinching integrity. Shelter unfolds like a grounded Black Ops version of John Wick. When it comes to action films, Jason Statham’s catalog sets the bar pretty high with exceptional combat sequences and humble yet satisfying storylines. Not only does he have another hit, but he’s brought depth and endearment with him, and of course, integrity. The tone is moody, the action is fresh, brutal, and meaningful. Moreover, if the sharp, bone-breaking fight sequences aren’t enough, the wholesome fathers-daughter-esque relationship will warm your bullet-riddled heart.

Shelter (15) is a film starring Jason Statham. I could stop my review there as his films have become so formulaic that you almost feel you are watching the same film as the one he made before. The Statham character usually lives alone, minds his own business but is friendly with an old lady etc. Something then happens that requires him to cast off the cloak of anonimity and reveal that he is a former soldier, usually SAS, or an ex special agent, anyway you get the picture. For some reason, as with a lot of films lately, it seems to be shot in a gloom. Almost a silent one too to start with as you see Statham standing and gazing with intense focus at the sea view. The action does pick up though as he finds he has to act as a parent and nurse to a suspicious young girl Jessie (Bodhi Rae Breathnach). Statham has a paranoia about being seen, actually, as always, his fear is well grounded as when he is eventually spotted all hell breaks loose as he and young Jessie are hunted down. I won't say anymore as you can probably work out the rest. I did like the film as it was an easy watch. It required no real effort to understand what was happening - you could just sit back and enjoy the ride. The young girl who is Staham's co-star does really well in her role and it was her acting that gave us the only real emotion in a film that was otherwise lacking any, given Statham's deadpan performance, with little dialogue except his occasional instruction to her. If you are a Statham fan you will want to see it but if you have seen his other films and were not impressed, this will not change your mind.

The actors must of all been like, "Is this right? You are going to pay me to show no emotion in any scene?"