Critics Have Seen A Working Man, And It Sounds Like This Jason Statham Flick Isn’t As Buzzy As The Beekeeper

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In the previous year, Jason Statham and David Ayer collaborated on a film titled “The Beekeeper“, which was rather harshly criticized as “torturous”, but turned out to be an entertaining watch, particularly for those who appreciate bee-related humor. Though fans eagerly anticipate the sequel of “The Beekeeper 2“, there’s even more exciting news on the horizon: Statham and Ayer’s next collaboration, “A Working Man“, is slated for release in the 2025 movie calendar. Let’s keep our eyes peeled to see what reactions critics will have towards this upcoming film.

In the upcoming action movie, a retired Royal Marines commander named Levon Cade (played by Statham) finds himself drawn back into his old line of work when his employer’s teenage daughter is kidnapped by human traffickers. This storyline seems reminiscent of Statham’s 2024 film, but according to TopMob’s review of the movie “A Working Man”, it falls short in delivering the same enjoyable vibe that Statham’s movies typically have. The critic, Eric Eisenberg, awards it a rating of 2 out of 5 stars, stating that the film lacks the expected excitement and fun.

This film follows the same story structure as “The Beekeeper,” but without the same level of energy. It’s a predictable movie that relies heavily on familiar tropes and lackluster plot development. If you’re a dedicated fan of Jason Statham who enjoys seeing him fight, you might find something to enjoy, but for most viewers, there isn’t much to appreciate in this film.

According to Derek Smith from SlashFilm, the film receives 1.5 stars out of 5. Smith explains that Jason Statham’s character appears lifeless with unresolved PTSD, which functions more as a tool for his vigilante activities than a source of ongoing emotional turmoil. In simpler terms, Smith suggests that instead of being a hindrance to his character, the PTSD is used in a way that makes it seem like an asset or superpower in his role as a vigilante.

In the overpopulated realm of revenge movies, A Working Man doesn’t stand out much beyond its questionable political views. Incidentally, there are moments reminiscent of a John Wick film, such as when Levon confronts close to a dozen adversaries in a drug den. However, the action is typically cut so frequently that you miss the immersive spatial flow and clarity that characterizes the fight scenes in the John Wick series by Chad Stahelski.

According to Brianna Zigler from The AV Club, “A Working Man” receives a poor grade (D) because it’s largely an uninteresting action movie that fails to rise above the ordinary limitations imposed by its makers’ lack of creativity. In her review, Zigler points out that the film’s creators seem trapped in their own monotony.

Similar to The Beekeeper, the movie A Working Man falls victim to an overwhelming sense of dreary monotony that hinders enjoyment, despite its tone having more vibrancy initially. Just as the cinematography of A Working Man is drab and dim, so too does the film’s content reflect this somber ambiance. Regrettably, the movie lacks enough engaging elements to offset this gloomy visual style. The story seems devoid of any significant tension or conflict, making it hard for viewers to become invested in its outcome.

Jeremy Mathai from SlashFilm admits that there is certainly a place for light-hearted, unsubstantial entertainment in our cinemas. However, while audiences might be yearning for the absurdity that Ayer and Statham’s past production offered, “A Working Man” falls short, appearing as a weak replica of superior films we’ve already experienced. Mathai rates it 5 out of 10.

Although A Working Man has some entertaining possibilities, it doesn’t quite manage to compete with the reigning champions in the genre of fun, low-brow cinema. Unlike The Beekeeper, which thrived on its outrageously absurd premise and a fittingly exaggerated style, this newest Statham production finds itself grappling to recapture that same sparkle and ultimately falls short, providing fewer spectacular moments than anticipated.

According to Bill Bria from Discussing Film, “A Working Man” is a well-crafted film, primarily due to the combined efforts of Jason Statham and David Ayer who once again demonstrate that their collaboration results in exceptional action movies. Bria awards the movie 3.5 out of 5 stars.

This story, with its compelling plot and well-developed characters, can keep a hardworking individual engaged from start to finish, and even beyond. As any blue-collar worker will confirm, executing tasks effectively relies heavily on assembling a trustworthy team, and the duo of Jason Statham and David Ayer is growing into one that can be relied upon. They seem to bring out each other’s strengths, which might be due to the fact that they are both consistently excellent performers in action films who continue to shine in their respective fields today.

If you’re expecting a light-hearted, action-packed movie like “The Beekeeper,” you might find “A Working Man” to be more somber. However, if it’s high-octane action with Jason Statham that you’re after, he never fails to deliver! His newest film hits theaters starting March 28th.

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2025-03-27 00:40