A Working Man Review: An Uninspired Action Flick
In A Working Man, Jason Statham takes on the role of Levon Cade, an ex-Royal Marine plunged into the murky depths of Chicago’s criminal underbelly after his friend’s daughter is kidnapped. This film attempts to serve up the high-octane thrill that fans have come to expect from Statham, but unfortunately, it falls flat on multiple levels.
A Familiar Formula
When it comes to action movies, few stars are as recognizable as Jason Statham. In A Working Man, Statham inherently plays the role of "Jason Statham" himself: a rugged hero with a shadowy military background, sporting an unplaceable accent and a penchant for defeating countless nameless goons. This film shamelessly borrows elements from iconic action thrillers like Commando and Taken while liberally incorporating mechanics from John Wick — most notably through the introduction of a “weapons sommelier” character played by David Harbour.
The Man Behind the Scene
Directed by David Ayer, who has previously teamed with Statham on the underwhelming The Beekeeper, this film was co-written alongside Sylvester Stallone and is based on Chuck Dixon’s novel Levon’s Trade. Despite this creative pedigree, the film is buried under a wealth of missed opportunities. The narrative combines human-trafficking issues with dialogue that borders on the ludicrous. For example, one character lamentably informs Cade, “Violence follows you like a cloud.” Really? Similes like that read more like comedic relief than insightful commentary.
"It’s witless, suspense-free, tedious."
Statham: The Action Hero We Deserve?
Statham emerges as a formidable presence, maintaining his classic rugged aesthetic with perfectly groomed stubble and an angular physique. Now at 57, he still retains a level of believability in his action sequences, although the thrill is largely absent. The film’s choreography lacks the edge-of-your-seat excitement one expects; Cade’s highly-touted ex-Royal Marine skills seem pointless as threats dissipate without consequence. When the film’s most intense moment comes from overpouring maple syrup on a man’s pancakes, you know you’re in for a mundane experience.
A Disjointed Narrative
The editing of A Working Man does a disservice to what could have been an exhilarating ride. Rapid cuts hinder the action sequences, making it nearly impossible for the audience to engage with the choreography. Moreover, plot threads — like Cade’s legal battles concerning custody of his child — are abruptly abandoned without closure. What is the point of establishing these stakes if you’re not going to explore them?
Where’s the Charm?
As viewers, we look forward to action films for an escape, for characters to root for, thrilling stunts, and witty one-liners. Statham’s response to a villain threatening to cut out his heart? A lame “Good luck!” That’s it? Audiences deserve more from their action heroes; they crave the exhilarating banter and ingenious escapes that were once hallmarks of Statham’s arsenal. Where’s the swagger that once defined a Statham film?
Conclusion: Does This Working Man Work?
In its essence, A Working Man feels more like a disappointing parody of a Jason Statham action flick than a thrilling adventure. Despite the ambition behind the title, it manages to deliver a mediocre product that simply doesn’t resonate. So, when you’re left wondering, “What are we even doing here?” — it’s likely because even the most loyal fans of Jason Statham’s cinematic exploits might find the experience unfulfilling and entirely forgettable.
Ultimately, A Working Man might just be one of those instances where the hype significantly overshadows the reality. After all, in a genre built on excitement and intrigue, this film dares to ask: Why bother?
