Directed by Taylor Hackford, Parker is part of the story of a thief who lives with a strict code where if you give your word you follow through. The character is based on a series of novels written by Donald E. Westlake, writing under the pseudonym Richard Stark.
Summary: Parker is finishing a job with a new crew that he had been introduced to by Hurley, former colleague and the father of Parker's girlfriend, Claire. The deal takes a sour turn though when the leader, Melander, decides Parker's stake is necessary for the next job and he leaves Parker for dead when he won't join in. As he recovers from his wounds, he plans how to get his money back from the gang and teach them not to go against their word ("it's the principle").
Like quite a few of Statham's movies, the plot is forgettable, but the action sequences are fantastic. They are beautifully choreographed and well executed. And our hero sustains injuries in the course of the fights and actually keeps them (yes, they remain visible and he shows that he is) in the film. I'm oddly excited about that fact. It comes across as more realistic.
The love story, or really lack there of, is a nice touch. Spoiler (highlight to read): [ He has a committed girlfriend, Claire (Emma Booth). He stays faithful to her through the film even though he believes she has no reason to stay with him. She, in turn, demonstrates she is committed to their relationship even though people are trying kill her to get even with him. The whole 'will they/won't they' vibe from Leslie (Jennifer Lopez) is all in her head. I like that it didn't turn into 'good guy gets the girl who helps him.' ]
Anyway, it was a fun movie, and much enjoyed by this action flick fan. And Patti LuPone was fantastic as Ascension, Leslie's sharp-tongued mother.
Parker...................Jason Statham
Leslie Rodgers..........Jennifer Lopez
Melander................Michael Chiklis
Carlson..................Wendell Pierce
Ross...................Clifton Collins Jr.
Ascension..................Patti LuPone
August Hardwicke...Michah Hauptman
Claire........................Emma Booth
Hurley..........................Nick Nolte