For the past 20 years, Jason Statham has been the go-to guy for audiences who love watching action-packed, adrenaline-fueled movies. And let’s be honest, not much has changed in his career. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Statham has remained consistent in delivering the kind of performances that fans have come to expect from him. He may not have any new tricks up his sleeve, but his work is still as captivating as ever.
In his latest film, The Beekeeper, Statham once again proves why he is one of the few remaining action stars in Hollywood. Produced by Miramax and distributed by MGM Amazon, The Beekeeper sees Statham reuniting with Kurt Wimmer and David Ayer, the team behind his previous hit films.
Playing the role of Adam Clay, a former operative of a secret organization known as the Beekeepers, Statham gives a power-packed performance that is both intense and enthralling. When his friend Eloise Parker, played by Phylicia Rashad, falls victim to a massive phishing scam and commits suicide, Clay sets out on a mission to seek revenge on the company responsible.
But even after successfully bringing down the company, Clay is not satisfied. He is determined to make sure that those involved in the scam never get the chance to harm anyone else. To do that, he sets his sights on Derek Danforth, played by The Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson, the mastermind behind the whole operation.
The plot of The Beekeeper may not be anything groundbreaking, but it is executed flawlessly. The film wastes no time in getting to the heart of the story, establishing Clay’s relationship with Eloise and giving the audience a strong reason to despise the villains. These are not your typical run-of-the-mill antagonists. They are wealthy scammers who prey on the most vulnerable and weakest members of society.
Because of the despicable nature of the bad guys, every punch and kick delivered by Statham brings a sense of satisfaction and catharsis to the audience. However, the supporting cast, unfortunately, falls short in comparison to Statham’s performance.
Hutcherson’s character, Derek Danforth, is meant to be unlikable, and Hutcherson does a great job of portraying that. But other big names like Jeremy Irons and Emmy Raver-Lampman don’t live up to their potential. Irons, in particular, seems underutilized, and the film never fully explores his character’s relationship with Danforth.
Raver-Lampman, well-known for her role in The Umbrella Academy, doesn’t quite convince as an FBI agent. And while it’s great to see veterans like Jemma Redgrave and Minnie Driver in the film, their roles are so small that they almost feel like a wasted opportunity.
The Beekeeper rests on the shoulders of Jason Statham, and he carries the weight with ease. The film is a testament to his acting abilities, and it’s no surprise that he continues to be in demand as an action star.
