Shelter Review:
If you are watching Shelter chances are you already know what you are getting into. You have Jason Statham, a guy with a past a young girl in trouble and a bunch of people who make the mistake of coming after Jason Statham. Thankfully the movie delivers that.
The story is about a British government assassin who has left his old life behind and is living alone off the coast of Scotland. He wants nothing to do with the world he escaped from. Things do not stay quiet for long. When a young girl becomes a target Jason Statham is forced back into action and into a confrontation with the agency that would rather see Jason Statham dead.
It is not the original idea in the world. In fact you have probably seen stories before.. Shelter works because it does not try to change the action-thriller formula. It focuses on doing the basics
Jason Statham is the reason to watch Shelter. He slips into this kind of role easily that it almost feels unfair. Jason Statham barely needs to say anything to convince you that he is a guy. Whether Jason Statham is quietly sitting in a cabin or taking down a room of enemies he has that presence on screen that keeps you interested.
Also Read: Bhooth Bangla Review: Akshay Kumar’s Horror-Comedy That Tries Hard but Stays Mid
The relationship between Jason Stathams character and the young girl gives Shelter a bit heart than you would expect. Bodhi Rae Breathnach does a job and their scenes together help break up the constant tension and action. It is not overly emotional. It gives the story something to hold onto besides explosions and gunfire.
The Scottish setting is another thing about Shelter. The rugged coastline and isolated locations add an atmosphere. It feels cold, lonely and slightly threatening which suits the story of Shelter perfectly.
As for the action in Shelter it is what fans of Jason Statham will want. The fight scenes are brutal without feeling ridiculous. Shelter keeps things moving at a steady pace. There are not moments where Shelter drags.
That said Shelter does not have surprises. Some plot twists are easy to see coming. A few supporting characters feel underdeveloped. The villains in particular could have been more memorable. At times it feels like the film is relying on Jason Stathams charisma to carry scenes that needed writing.
Still not every action movie needs to be groundbreaking. Sometimes you just want a entertaining thriller with a lead actor who knows exactly what he is doing. That is much what Shelter delivers.
By the end I was not blown away. I was entertained and honestly that is enough. Shelter knows its audience and sticks to its strengths.
Rating: 3.5/5
Shelter may not change the action genre but it gives Jason Statham another movie packed with tension hard-hitting action and just enough emotion to keep things interesting, about Jason Statham.
