Jason Statham is best known for his action films, but he's also delved into other genres as well - but he still maintains the title of one of today's biggest action stars. With the release of "Hobbs & Shaw," I take a look at my five personal favorite Jason Statham films.
**THERE WILL BE NO SPOILERS**
#5
Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels
The first film for both Jason Statham and director Guy Ritchie, "Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels" centers on a group of four friends who lose a high-stakes poker game and must come up with 500,000 pounds before they're killed. Ritchie saw Statham working as a black market salesman and recruited him to star in the film, and it showcases his natural charisma as well as providing a fun-filled ride with well-rounded characters, dark humor, and Ritchie's now-signature filming style.
#4
The Bank Job
Best known for his action prowess, Statham also proves to be a decent dramatic actor, especially in "The Bank Job," which is based on the true story of a gang of misfits who break into a highly secured bank to gain a score from what they find - until they find themselves in over their heads and learn that they can't trust anyone. Statham shines as the leader of the crew, and gives off a great dramatic performance as well as using his natural charisma.
#3
Spy
Jason Statham has had a plethora of famous names he's starred alongside, and most of them make perfect sense - Jet Li, Sylvester Stallone, Dwayne Johnson...Melissa McCarthy? You'd never expect the two of these actors to ever cross paths, but that's exactly what happened in the comedy "Spy," and the result is pure comedic and action gold. McCarthy plays a mild-mannered office worker who is enlisted as a spy to infiltrate an enemy corporation, while Statham plays a dim-witted secret agent who isn't as talented as he thinks he is - except in comedy, which he absolutely shines.
#2
Snatch
Statham reunites with Guy Ritchie for "Snatch," and the result is another cult classic action caper filled with quick-witted humor, stylish action, and a top-notch script. Statham plays a boxing promoter who's not above doing some illegal activities to make a buck, and when news reaches London that a stolen diamond is lost, everyone goes in search for it. Co-starring Benicio del Toro, Dennis Farina, Vinnie Jones and Brad Pitt, "Snatch" manages to elevate Jason Statham's career to new heights and gives him even more to work with than before.
#1
Crank
In the 90s, Keanu Reeves had to keep a bus going at over 50 miles an hour or it'll explode. In the 2000s, Jason Statham has to keep his heart rate up, or he'll die. "Crank" is an extreme action adventure film that doesn't make a whole lot of sense (Statham plays a hitman who's injected with a Chinese poison that'll kill him if his heart rate lowers), but provides some of the best action of Statham's career, as well as his natural dry wit and humor at its center.
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