Jason Statham has cracked the art of giving an action performance with a heart

Jason Statham hits things.

This time in New York, where he's a broken ex-cop helping a young girl (Catherine Chan) who's memorised the code for a safe that two rival gangs and the rottenest apples in NYC's police department are desperate to open.

The Stath punches his way through the problem, but for once – between the explosions and Statham's "Brook-lahn" accent – there's space for emotion.

Our man's Leon-like interactions with his protectee semi-justify the carnage.

It's tough delivering an action performance with heart.

Statham's cracked it.

Rating: 3/5

Action and adventureThrillerHenry Barnesguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies.

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