Are you still not bored with Jason Statham’s action films? “The Beekeeper,” directed by David Ayer, known for producing action-packed films such as “Street Kings” (2008), “End of Watch” (2012), “Sabotage” (2014), and “Suicide Squad” (2015), features an ensemble cast including Emmy Raver-Lampman, Josh Hutcherson, Bobby Naderi, Minnie Driver, Phylicia Rashad, and veteran actor Jeremy Irons. Will this film follow the typical pattern of Statham’s action-packed movies?
The story revolves around David Clay (played by Statham), a beekeeper living a peaceful life in the suburbs. He rents a warehouse from Eloise (Rashad), an older woman who sees David as her own son. However, their tranquility is shattered when an online scam causes Eloise to lose her million-dollar account, leading her to make a tragic decision. Feeling a sense of responsibility, Clay, the seemingly ordinary beekeeper, reveals his past as a legendary agent known as “The Beekeeper.”
Ah, Statham again. While my expectations were modest before watching, “The Beekeeper” turned out to be one of the star’s most entertaining films. Fans of Statham will undoubtedly rejoice in the theater as the film delivers non-stop action with all the signature Statham attributes. The script seamlessly supports all the action scenes, defying both physical endurance and common sense logic. But then again, didn’t “The Raid” and the “John Wick” series do the same?
The plot summary reveals similarities with “John Wick”: a tough former assassin seeking personal vengeance. However, what sets “The Beekeeper” apart is its unique background. Wick is a hitman, while Clay is a former government agent. The enigmatic nature of Clay’s character adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. “The Beekeeper” portrays him as a top agent working independently outside the system, now forced to confront the very system that shaped him. While similar plots may have surfaced before, it’s the presence of Jason Statham that truly distinguishes this film.
“The Beekeeper” is all about action and Statham’s charm, offering pure entertainment for fans. The film focuses on delivering satisfaction to Statham enthusiasts without any pretense of deep storytelling. The action in “The Beekeeper” differs from the aesthetically choreographed sequences in “The Raid” or “John Wick,” opting for conventional fighting with a dash of brutal action. Online fraud, corrupt systems, and officials merely serve as a backdrop to showcase one of the best action stars in the history of the medium. Job well done for Statham.