A Working Man Review: Jason Statham Shines In David Ayer’s Formulaic Thriller

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Throughout Jason Statham’s nearly three-decade-long acting career, he has predominantly thrived by the philosophy that if something isn’t broken, there’s no reason to change it. In this context, “it” refers to his consistent approach to action-thrillers, which, while bordering on formulaic, has kept him a well-known figure since his days as a regular in Guy Ritchie’s production company. He is now the leading bald, British, martial artist on screen. There have been exceptions, such as “Revolver” from 2005 and “Hummingbird” in 2013, which pushed the boundaries of his acting abilities and showcased depth he rarely needed to display since then. However, the core of his work remains portraying a highly skilled, gruff protagonist seeking justice. His latest film, “A Working Man,” is no different and might even have reached a new level in demonstrating how generic a plot can be while still resulting in an enjoyable cinematic experience.

Previously, Statham collaborated with director David Ayer on “The Beekeeper,” a delightful find amidst the bleak landscape of Q1 movie releases in cinemas last year. The film aligned well with the ongoing trend of action films similar to “John Wick,” offering an additional appeal through its franchise-worthy mythology as a backdrop. Indeed, it was another film showcasing Statham’s skillful delivery of dropkicks and headshots, but the creative world-building hinted at potential for a new series and numerous sequels. However, instead of pursuing something complex or ambitious, they reteamed for a project that is more straightforward, less grandiose, yet still packed with enjoyably brutal violence.

What’s Jason Statham gotten himself into this time?

In this film, Jason Statham takes on the role of Levon Cade, a construction foreman who resides in his truck. His rough, workmanlike attire suggests he’s straying from a tumultuous, violent history. It seems his tough-as-nails devotion to work is more about healing than just doing a job. In the opening minutes of the movie, we witness him single-handedly fending off debtors attacking one of his workers, hinting at a fighting skillset. This suggests that within the first 20 minutes of the story, there’s likely a tragic event that will set free the anger he appears to be carefully suppressing.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but wonder if something sinister will strike the blameless young daughter he meets for just two hours weekly? Maybe it’s his colleague who’ll face trouble from those ruthless lenders again. Yet, it is Jenny (played by Arianna Rivas), the captivating college-aged daughter of his boss (Michael Peña, delivering a significant performance), who falls victim to a horrendous trafficking ring. Consequently, Levon finds himself compelled to break his own rules and unleash a torrent of violence to retrieve her.

This well-known type of action thriller, even beyond Statham’s collection of films, has been a popular genre, but recent ones tend to stand out more when they cater to a conservative audience: everyone is after your kids and the police can’t stop them – but One Man will. Interestingly, Statham, possibly due to not being American, manages to separate his characters from the typical nationalistic bias often associated with this character type. Unfortunately, the setup of this movie doesn’t quite match up to the bold allure of David Ayer and Statham’s previous collaboration. There’s a heavy-handed seriousness in how emotional and dramatic the film’s opening feels. However, once the violence takes center stage, it becomes easier to overlook these initial shortcomings.

We never get tired of this same old song

The film ‘A Working Man’ is based on a novel by Chuck Dixon, known for penning Batman comics in the 1990s. This explains why the movie seems to struggle with its identity, transitioning from a somewhat confused first act to the latter parts. Initially, the script appears to bear Sylvester Stallone’s influence, given its heavy sincerity and melodramatic overtones. However, as the story progresses, it leans more towards Dixon’s style, which is closer to pulpy, almost comical narratives.

Instead of typical villain-centric thrillers that focus on straightforward antagonists, this story features a motley crew of colorful and eccentric villains, along with their assortment of associates. Characters like Levon’s blind archer war buddy (portrayed by David Harbour) and his eccentric psychologist father-in-law who holds Levon responsible for the death of his daughter add to the bizarre cast. Each character is deliberately crafted to be as odd and dislikable as possible, setting the stage for Jason Statham’s character to unleash havoc when he breaks free. The ensuing carnage provides a release or catharsis for the audience.

In a streaming setting, “A Working Man” could be considered an average experience, but in the eyes of theatergoers, their uncensored responses to intense fight scenes and brutal savagery serve as a Greek chorus, adding depth to the performance. Ayer intentionally designs and executes close-combat sequences not for graceful exchanges, but for hard-hitting, decisive demonstrations of ruthlessness. The production leaves no doubt in satisfying the audience’s thirst for witnessing these peculiar villains receiving fittingly severe consequences.

In a world that often feels unpredictable and treacherous, with villains seemingly prevailing and trustworthy systems letting us down, there’s a certain reassurance found in Jason Statham. Whether he’s playing The Transporter, The Beekeeper, or simply “A Working Man,” his movies provide solace. Despite their predictability or repetitive nature, they fulfill an essential need.

“A Working Man” hits theaters on March 28.

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2025-03-27 20:30