Whether or not you’ve read Donald E. Westlake’s crime novels, there’s a good chance you’ve dug the exploits of Westlake’s laconic professional thief, Parker (albeit under tweaked monikers), in adaptations such as Lee Marvin’s “Point Blank” or Mel Gibson’s “Payback.” So, hearing that Jason Statham is tackling the role — with Jennifer Lopez as costar — stirs a fingers-crossed anticipation that we’re getting more of Cool Statham (“Crank,” “The Bank Job”) rather than Cruddy Statham (“Killer Elite”). “Ray” director Taylor Hackford’s movie even latches onto “Parker” as its title as if to say, hey, never mind those other highlights — this is going to be the definitive take on the character, B-movie grit that rates an A.

Not even close.