A working man, now streaming on VOD platforms like Amazon Prime Video, is a film that has left me feeling underwhelmed, even with the presence of jason statham, who consistently delivers a spirited performance despite the lackluster material he’s working with. The movie reunites Statham with his The Beekeeper director David Ayer, whose career has seen a rollercoaster of successes and failures. The script, penned by both Ayer and Sylvester Stallone, is based on the novel Levon’s Trade by Chuck Dixon, a comic book writer with notable credits including Batman and The Punisher. A Working Man feels like a thematic continuation from the entertainingly stupid Beekeeper, which showcased Statham’s ridiculousness. However, this new outing is a tougher act to follow, and it fails to deliver in many areas. The film’s premise is centered around Statham’s character, Levon Cade, a former Royal Marines operative who now works as a foreman for a construction company owned by the Garcias. Levon is a man with a troubled past, having lost his wife and struggling to co-parent with his daughter, Merry. As the story unfolds, Levon finds himself entangled in a complex web of crime, with various villains trying to exploit him for their own gain. The film’s pacing is slow, and the plot twists are predictable, making it difficult to become invested in the story. Despite the lackluster material, Statham delivers a solid performance, bringing his signature intensity and charisma to the role. However, he’s not given much to work with, and his character’s development is limited. The film’s visuals are also a letdown, with a mix of stylish and tacky elements that fail to create a cohesive aesthetic. The cinematography is often cluttered, and the editing is choppy, making it difficult to follow the action. The cast is also underwhelming, with the exception of Chidi Ajufo, who brings some much-needed energy to his role as the baddie on the biker throne. Jason Flemyng and Arianna Rivas also deliver decent performances, but they’re not enough to elevate the film’s overall quality. In terms of memorable moments, there are a few standouts, such as a brutal fight scene and a witty one-liner. However, these moments are few and far between, and the film’s tone is often inconsistent, veering wildly from serious to silly. Ultimately, A Working Man feels like a generic Jason Statham film, lacking the creativity and inspiration that made his earlier movies so enjoyable. It’s a film that’s meant to be watched, but not necessarily remembered.
What to Expect
* A slow-paced plot with predictable twists
* A lackluster script with underdeveloped characters
* Decent but unremarkable performances from the cast
* A mix of stylish and tacky visuals
* Inconsistent tone and pacing
Comparison to Other Films
A Working Man reminds me of other Jason Statham films, such as The Mechanic and Parker. It’s a generic take on the action-thriller genre, lacking the creativity and originality that made those films stand out.
Recommendation
Overall, A Working Man is a sub-par Jason Statham film. If you’re a fan of the genre, you may find some enjoyment in it, but it’s not a must-see. It’s better to skip it and watch something else.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Jason Statham delivers a solid performance | Lackluster script and underdeveloped characters |
| Some decent performances from the cast | Inconsistent tone and pacing |
| A few memorable moments | Generic and unoriginal |
Our Take: A Working Man is a film that fails to deliver on its promise. It’s a generic take on the action-thriller genre, with a lackluster script and underdeveloped characters. While Jason Statham delivers a solid performance, it’s not enough to save the film from its overall mediocrity. If you’re a fan of the genre, you may find some enjoyment in it, but it’s not a must-see. It’s better to skip it and watch something else.
Memorable Dialogue
* “Who are you? Who are you? F— you. F— youuuuuuuuuuuuuu!” – Wolo Kolisnyk (Jason Flemyng)
* “Look at those bricks. You ain’t a cop – you’re a working man!” – Dutch (Chidi Ajufo)
Sex and Skin
* There’s no explicit sex or skin in the film.
Stylistic Highlights
* A few stylish action sequences
* Some memorable fight choreography
Stylistic Lowlights
* Overuse of LENS FLARE
* Poor editing and cinematography
* Tacky costumes and props
Highlights
* Jason Statham delivers a solid performance
* Some memorable moments, such as a brutal fight scene and a witty one-liner
* Chidi Ajufo brings some energy to his role
Lowlights
* Lackluster script and underdeveloped characters
* Inconsistent tone and pacing
* Poor visuals and editing
Our Call
* Sub-par Jason Statham film. SKIP IT.