Warning: Major spoilers for A Working Man ahead! Jason Statham’s latest film, A Working Man, unfortunately does not reach the high bar set by his previous success, The Beekeeper. Statham has been a stalwart of the action genre since making his debut in Ghosts of Mars back in 2001. It’s noteworthy that The Beekeeper managed to pull in $162 million at the box office, underscoring both his enduring appeal and the lasting power of action films. In this new project, he reunites with director David Ayer, aiming to replicate the success of their prior collaboration.
A Working Man Fails to Meet Expectations
The film adapts Chuck Dixon’s novel Levon’s Trade, marking the beginning of a four-part series that has already expanded to 12 books. Given its franchise potential, one might expect more from this adaptation. However, initial reviews for A Working Man have been lukewarm, as highlighted by Rotten Tomatoes. Critics point out that while the film replicates the action beats found in classics like Taken and Commando, it ultimately lacks the inventive spirit of these films.
A Working Man Lacks the Humor and Creative Action of The Beekeeper
When I first watched The Beekeeper, I quickly appreciated its vibrant mix of engaging action and sharp dialogue. Ayer’s effort resulted in an enjoyable experience that maintained a consistently high energy level, ensuring that each sequence outdid the last. In stark contrast, A Working Man tackles heavier themes, and attempts at humor often fall flat. While the action sequences are intense, they offer nothing new to thrill-seekers.
This latest film does have its moments of enjoyment; however, following closely in the wake of The Beekeeper, it inherently lacks the same charm and overall impact.
A Working Man Should Have Stayed True To The Original Novel
The climactic showdown in A Working Man features Levon taking on numerous adversaries with ease, straying far from the source material, where he finds himself in a far tougher fight against just two assailants. Notably, while the novel contains humorous elements, it refrains from shoehorning in forced comedy or exaggerating villains to the point where they become laughable caricatures.
Interestingly, co-writer and producer Sylvester Stallone once envisioned these novels as a television series, implying that a more extensive exploration of the characters might have suited the material better.
Incompatible Tones: The Challenge
The struggle of A Working Man lies in its attempt to merge the light-hearted feel of The Beekeeper with a grittier narrative found in Levon’s Trade. A more faithful adaptation could have provided a clearer reception and a more engaging cinematic experience.
A Working Man Is Still a Solid Jason Statham Action Thriller
Although A Working Man may not shine as bright as The Beekeeper, it still delivers a dose of classic Statham action, which is sure to satisfy fans of the genre. Ayer’s handling of action scenes remains impressive, and the film features a strong ensemble cast, including talents like Michael Peña and Emmett J. Scanlan. Statham’s magnetic presence is evident throughout, leaving the door open for potential improvements in a future sequel.
My own disappointment with A Working Man likely stems from my high expectations following The Beekeeper. Though marketed as a thematic successor, the two films venture in distinctly different directions. This contrast has only heightened my anticipation for the upcoming sequel to The Beekeeper, where Timo Tjahjanto will take the directing reins.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes