A Working Man: Review of Jason Statham’s Latest Action Saga
Jason Statham returns to the screen in A Working Man, a film that promises action, grit, and motivation. While the title may evoke thoughts of relentless labor, it barely scratches the surface of what viewers can expect. Adapted from the novel Levon’s Trade, this movie is not just another Statham flick; it’s a laborious journey through the often overlooked social issues of our times.
A Familiar Formula with a Fresh Twist
Set against the backdrop of a world plagued by social injustices, A Working Man sees Statham step into the shoes of Levon Cade, a construction worker who goes from blue-collar hero to vigilante in a heartbeat. When Jenny Garcia, the college-aged daughter of his boss Joe (played by Michael Peña), is abducted by a sex trafficking ring, Levon decides to dust off his Royal Marine training to rescue her. As with many Statham roles, the stakes are personal, but the film’s approach sometimes feels like a chore.
Action Meets Social Commentary
Directed by David Ayer, known for films that delve into the darker aspects of society, A Working Man isn’t merely a vehicle for Statham’s brawn. Instead, it tackles the gritty realities of sex trafficking with a somewhat vague nod to conspiracy theories reminiscent of QAnon. It’s as if the film tries to engage in deeper issues but often gets lost in Statham’s fists of fury.
The Tug of War in Storytelling
A significant element of A Working Man worth mentioning is the intriguing clash of three distinct sensibilities—Statham’s action roots, Ayer’s crime drama experience, and Sylvester Stallone’s screenwriting influence. This collaboration results in an unexpected but noticeable tension throughout the film. While the action sequences, like when Levon steps in to defend his colleagues at a worksite, evoke classic Statham energy, they aren’t enough to fully resonate with the audience.
Character Dynamics and Themes
One of the notable aspects of the film is its exploration of character dynamics. Levon’s partnership with a blind acquaintance, Gunny (played by David Harbour), offers a touch of camaraderie reminiscent of Stallone’s own past films. However, moments like these contrast sharply with the darker themes presented, leaving viewers feeling a bit adrift.
It’s also worth mentioning the portrayal of Joe, who embodies the “model minority” stereotype but ultimately fails to protect his family, thereby delegating that responsibility to the rugged Levon. This lingering notion of masculinity and vulnerability is a recurring theme throughout the film, though it can often come off as cliché.
The Action Elements That Fall Flat
While there are glimpses of what could have been a classic hard-boiled detective story, much of the film falls into the mundane. Levon undertakes amateur sleuthing, even infiltrating a motorcycle gang, but Ayer seems more focused on mindless violence than the thrilling complexity of a well-crafted narrative. The result? A somewhat disjointed film where action sequences tend to feel formulaic, overall dulling the impact of Statham’s athletic prowess.
Nevertheless, moments where Statham unleashes chaos can be entertaining albeit fleeting. The film leans heavily into its action-packed sequences, yet they lack the finesse and excitement found in Statham’s earlier works, feeling tedious rather than thrilling.
Final Thoughts: Too Much Work for Little Reward
A Working Man ultimately feels like a manual labor job itself, rather than an exhilarating movie experience. With a screenplay that seems to grapple with its own identity, audiences might find themselves working harder than necessary to engage with its themes. The film presents an interesting concept but stalls in execution, leaving viewers questioning whether this working man is worth their time.
Despite Jason Statham’s undeniable charm and action-hero appeal, A Working Man might just prove that even the toughest of heroes can falter when the narrative becomes too much work.
For action aficionados, the flick may entertain, but for those seeking layered storytelling, it might be worth clocking out early.
Feel free to explore more reviews and updates on films featuring Statham and other action stars on The Guardian’s film section.
