Shelter (Ric Roman Waugh, 2026)⭐⭐

Groundbreaking action thriller in which Jason Statham plays against type as a taciturn ex-special forces operator who is trying to escape his past but ends up back in the game when he is forced to defend an innocent. Honestly, where do they get these crazy ideas?

This time around, The Stath plays Michael Mason, a taciturn ex-special forces operator who is trying to escape his past by (checks notes) living in a lighthouse. An unfortunate boat accident leads to him saving a young girl called Jessie (Bodhi Rae Breathnach) from drowning and, in trying to help her, he is spotted on CCTV and ends up BACK IN THE GAME.

There is literally nothing in this film that you haven't seen before, often in films starring the boy Statham himself. The script is best described as 'functional' but ex-stunt performer Ric Roman Waugh does have a knack for directing action. The fight scenes here are kinetic and well shot and there is very well done car chase.

Statham has good chemistry with Breathnach, although their found-family relationship would be better served by a less perfunctory script. Daniel Mays pops up as an ex-colleague and helper and Bill Nighy literally phones in most of his performance as the chief bad guy.

As I say, this is very familiar territory for Statham but some combination of his innate screen presence, the decent supporting cast and the excellent action direction makes this just about transcend the cliches.