‘A Working Man’ Brings ’80s Heroism Back to Big Screen

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Jason Statham is a throwback movie star.

Stars such as John Wayne consistently met their audience’s expectations by churning out one movie after another. Nowadays, comics aspire to tackle dramatic roles, while serious actors strive to dip into comedy.

Jason Statham isn’t planning to perform Shakespearean plays any time in the near future; he doesn’t seem interested in changing his acting style either. Instead, he consistently delivers action sequences that are bone-rattlingly intense, with movies like “The Beekeeper” from last year and his most recent film, titled “A Working Man.

The narrative in this film is more substantial compared to past Statham projects. It seems as though it could delve into fresh aspects of his persona, yet instead, it defaults to typical chaos. This can be disappointing, but let’s keep our fingers crossed that Statham’s intensity remains timeless.

The movie, stemming from Chuck Dixon’s extended Levon Cade series, features Statham portraying an individual who finds it challenging to leave his past behind. Previously, this reserved character had a history of breaking bones as a warrior in the Royal Guard. Now, he prefers to focus on construction work for a family-run company.

Simple. Clean. A dearth of dead bodies en route to work.

I’ve paid a heavy toll for my violent past, which includes losing the precious custody of my charming daughter, Isla Gie, often referred to as Merry. I am now striving to rebuild my life, hoping that my newfound dedication to being a hardworking individual will eventually allow me to regain her love and trust.

The execution of that plan halts when the grown daughter of Levon’s boss, Jenny (Arianna Rivas), suddenly vanishes without a trace. The police seem either ineffective or incapable – you can decide which term fits best. Levon deeply appreciates his employer (Michael Peña) and considers him almost like family.

Instead, consider rephrasing as follows: After setting aside his construction hardhat, Levon ventures into a different line of work, one fraught with difficulty. Indeed, this job involves Russian mobsters, human trafficking, and further complications.

In a simplified manner, you won’t need to check the credits to realize that “A Working Man” has an ’80s vibe. Characters like Levon are capable of overpowering an entire army of heavily armed adversaries and coming out victorious.

Remember that Reagan-era warrior John Rambo?

Indeed, Sylvester Stallone was one of the writers for “A Working Man,” and throughout the film, you’ll notice Stallone’s signature portrayal of solitary characters is quite prominent. Joining him on this project is director David Ayer, who recently collaborated with Jason Statham in “The Beekeeper.” Interestingly, Ayer lacks a finicky side, which might be reflected in the film’s production.

They’re a perfect match for the material.

Levon consistently shows great perseverance as he chases after Jenny, the young lady. He’s a combination of a diligent investigator and a relentless hound, always unafraid no matter where his path leads him.

What makes Statham so appealing is his agility, which belies his age. In fact, at 57, he moves as if he were only 30, defying the aging trend commonly seen in action-packed roles. This observation isn’t just mine; even stars like Daniel Craig, Liam Neeson, and Keanu Reeves have questioned it.

Am I getting too old for this [bleep]?

For Statham, the answer remains, “not even close.”

Ayer recognizes Statham’s charm and the qualities that viewers find appealing in his performances. Indeed, the action is thrilling and gratifying, but it’s during the quiet scenes that Statham’s compassion comes to light. This was evident in “The Beekeeper,” where his character stood up for a senior citizen who had been swindled out of her savings.

In this scenario, we have a man who’s deeply devoted as a father, yearning to abandon his violent past. However, life seems to have different plans, which is fortunate… or so it appears for us onlookers.

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In the movie, the vibrant antagonists enhance the narrative, yet they sometimes contradict the rougher aspects presented. Statham’s character, Levon Cade, isn’t a superhero despite his ability to effortlessly take down an entire army. Instead, he specializes in close-combat fighting, and this talent is never aesthetically pleasing.

Some discordant elements spoil the fun.

It could be asked, why bring such a character as the clever and sightless Gunny (David Harbour), if he’s not given more moments on screen? Maybe the possibility of this series continuing in future films lies behind the silence.

The screenplay downplays the sex trafficking angle, reducing some of the dramatic stakes.

It’s equally irritating to ponder over how “A Working Man” could have adjusted the Statham-style approach. However, despite his longing for a peaceful existence following years of violence, Levon found himself once again entangled in conflict.

What if he missed all that death and destruction on an instinctual level?

As a film critic, I found myself reflecting on the intriguing duality portrayed by Jason Statham in “A Working Man”. However, the film seemed overly focused on showcasing Statham’s action-packed persona, rather than delving into the depths of his character. It appears that this production was more about maintaining Statham’s tough-guy image than exploring the layers beneath it. In “A Working Man”, Statham is less an actor and more a clock puncher – ready to dish out fists, fracture bones, and prepare for his next high-octane role.

No complaints there.

Title Review: “A Working Man” offers largely what Jason Statham fans anticipate, yet fails to explore more profound aspects of his on-screen character.

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2025-03-26 23:03