Summary
- The Beekeeper echoes John Wick with its revenge plot, but adds new twists to keep audiences engaged despite familiar elements.
- Both heroes in The Beekeeper and John Wick bend rules of time, geography, and logic as they navigate through action-packed sequences.
- The organizations controlling everything in both films eventually turn their backs on the heroes, leading to intense hunts and thrilling conclusions.
As a seasoned movie critic with a knack for action films, I’ve seen my fair share of characters defying the odds and eluding capture time and again. But none quite like our duo: John Wick and The Beekeeper. These men have lived lives that most can only imagine, filled with danger, betrayal, and an unyielding thirst for vengeance.
As a dedicated gamer and an avid fan of action movies, I can’t help but feel exhilarated by the latest addition to Jason Statham’s impressive repertoire: The Beekeeper. This film takes me back to the core of what makes Statham such an iconic figure in the action genre. Since his debut in the world of fistfights and high-octane chases, I’ve been hooked on his ability to suspend my disbelief and immerse myself in the thrilling ride he provides. With The Beekeeper, Statham once again delivers a gripping character and an explosion of visually stunning spectacles that keep me glued to my seat, logic be damned.
Yes, The Beekeeper is one of his typical films, with the plot taking a distant backseat, but the script is multilayered enough to provide a twist or two. That’s not to say the film doesn’t take elements from other action movies, especially the Keanu Reeves franchise, John Wick. Since the similarity is pretty obvious, we decided to rewatch it to see how Statham’s latest compares to John Wick.
7 The Beekeeper Is a Revenge Story, Just Like John Wick
John Wick’s story took off in 2014 with the release of the first film. You might have forgotten what triggered his vendetta against the Russian mafia. In “John Wick,” this skilled assassin went on a destructive rampage due to some bothersome gangsters who wouldn’t take no for an answer when they tried to purchase his Mustang, but John rejected their offer.
On that very night, intruders break into his home and brutally take the life of the puppy given to Wick by his deceased spouse as a means to help him deal with her passing. This tragic event sets off a chain reaction that leaves Wick in a state of unrest, which is evident throughout “John Wick: Chapter 4”.
In “The Beekeeper,” Adam Clay isn’t seeking vengeance for the loss of a pet like in the original version. Instead, the woman who rented him a house unfortunately becomes a victim of a phishing scam and, after being swindled out of her savings, contemplates taking her own life. Realizing there must be a criminal organization behind this deceitful scheme, Clay embarks on a mission to seek retribution.
6 The Beekeepers Share a Lot in Common With John Wick’s Enemies
After watching four films featuring the character John Wick, one might think they’ve encountered every possible scenario. The High Table, an enigmatic organization, reportedly has agents spread across the globe at their disposal. These individuals range from the mundane yet lethal to the extravagantly talented villains and assassins. The scenes inside the Continental (a hotel known for its strict rules) are akin to a masquerade ball of cunning criminals.
As a devoted fan, I can rephrase that sentence like this: When it comes to “The Beekeeper,” we don’t get to see the underworld figures working for the hive directly. However, during a scene at a gas station, a sly woman is revealed, carrying an impressive arsenal capable of turning it into rubble, all while maintaining her impeccable sense of style.
In the third act, Clay sneaks into an extravagant gathering filled with John Wick acquaintances. One notable figure is Lazarus, who bears a resemblance to a non-mutant X-Men character, complete with a thick accent, prosthetic limbs, and an unforgettable way of saying “beekeeper.”
5 Josh Hutcherson’s Character Is Very Similar to Alfie Allen’s and Bill Skarsgård’s in John Wick
In the “John Wick” series, the skilled assassin encounters various adversaries, including Iosef Tarasov in parts 1 and 4. Iosef is a mob boss’s son, while the Marquis Vincent Bisset de Gramont from part 4 is a High Table member and the son of a nobleman. Despite their youth, they underestimate Wick’s abilities, leading to unexpected outcomes.
I played the role of Derek Danforth in “The Beekeeper” with Josh Hutcherson showing off his impressive acting skills. This tech magnate character of mine spent his days swindling the elderly out of their hard-earned savings and practicing bizarre forms of yoga and meditation. With my rebellious young spirit, I seemed stuck in my teenage years, sporting an attitude and wardrobe to match. I arrogantly ignored the warnings of the adults around me, telling me to be more cautious. Seeing my downfall was almost a relief.
4 In Both Franchises, the Heroes Bend the Rules of Time and Geography
It’s a given that this character, as seen in many action films, is well-resourced, with an abundance of money at their disposal. In the case of “John Wick,” the protagonist can move undetected from place to place and even traverse continents swiftly with minimal explanation provided.
Despite this, viewers don’t appear to have any objections to it. In “The Beekeeper,” Clay continues his journey with relentless assassins in pursuit, while possessing the power to instantaneously transport himself between places at will.
3 Both Wick and Clay are “Old and Retired,” and They’re Forced to Come Back
In “John Wick,” the retired mercenary appears weary throughout the film. It was expected that he’d live out his days in seclusion with his puppy companion, eventually succumbing to old age. However, against all odds, John Wick springs back to life with an indestructible spirit, reminiscent of a relentless Terminator.
Clay appeared unfatigued as he tended to his bees, yet his leisurely existence hinted at a solitary figure in need of respite. Despite his choice to reactivate his assassin abilities, Statham’s advanced age was certainly a significant consideration.
2 The Organizations Controlling Everything Turn Their Backs on Them and Promote the Hunt
John Wick’s story starts off as a personal vendetta in the first movie, focusing on his character development with limited scope. Yet, as the plot unfolds, viewers discover the intriguing world that John once belonged to and is drawn back into against his will. Initially, this world was governed by the High Table, which maintained equilibrium. However, the series evolves, making John a hunted man as his former employers, now turned enemies, put bounties on his head.
In “The Beekeeper,” there’s a hidden twist: The “beehive” isn’t just a beekeeping collective as it appears, but rather a covert government organization supposedly safeguarding its members. However, the shocking truth emerges when CIA head Wallace Westwyld sets loose lethal assassins to eliminate Clay, who remains unfazed and pushes forward in his mission to ascend the power ranks.
1 Someone Forgives Both Heroes, and They Avoid Capture
From my perspective as a devoted fan, it’s astonishing how both characters manage to survive through such harrowing experiences. It’s hard to believe they can keep going, but somehow, they do. This implausibility is addressed in various ways – often through the characters showing forgiveness and letting them move on. In many instances, they even lend a helping hand. With the exception of the latest John Wick film, this pattern holds true for the entire series.
In “The Beekeeper,” the predictable resolution to this trope is delivered in a blatant and amusing manner—a fact that may leave you chuckling, given the character’s feeble objection: FBI agent Verona Parker, who just so happens to be the daughter of the woman he was avenging. However, it’s quite possible that this twist will be overshadowed by your curiosity over how Clay manages to pack all the tools he needs for another escape in his backpack.
It’s now possible to watch “The Beekeeper” online, as it has recently been added to both Amazon Prime Video and MGM+ streaming platforms following its theater and VOD run for several months.
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2024-07-17 01:01