Is "A Working Man" Worth Watching? A Review of Jason Statham's Latest Action-Adventure

Loosely based on Chuck Dixon's Levon’s Trade and starring Jason Statham, A Working Man is David Ayer’s direct follow-up to his January 2024 hit, The Beekeeper. In this thrilling narrative, Statham portrays Leven, a former army officer turned construction worker.

When his employer’s daughter is abducted by a notorious criminal organisation involved in sex trafficking, Leven springs into action. Drawing upon his Royal Marines Commando expertise, he embarks on a relentless quest to rescue her, confronting adversaries with unwavering resolve. Leven's motivation is deeply personal; he strives to be a good father to his daughter, who resides with her grandfather following the tragic loss of Leven’s wife.

Originally penned by Sylvester Stallone, the screenplay resonates with the spirit of Rocky, infusing the film with a sense of resilience and grit. Bursting with intense fight sequences, A Working Man depicts Leven as an indomitable force, seemingly forged from steel. However, the screenplay falters beyond the meticulously choreographed close-combat scenes, which may suffice to invigorate even the most lethargic viewer.

This testosterone-fueled film, reminiscent of classic 80s action cinema—from The Terminator to Rambo, and from Red Heat to The Punisher, along with all films featuring Bud Spencer and Terence Hill—offers little in terms of introspection, instead opting for a sentimental and nostalgic tone. The performances are commendable, with a remarkable array of minor roles executed with finesse. The extravagant costumes stand out, from the vibrant attire of the Russian mafia brothers to the opulent garments of the affluent. The cinematography is both precise and warm, filled with skull motifs, Harley Davidsons, and, inevitably, firearms and tattoos. Yet, the film's moral stance on violence disappointingly remains superficial, encapsulating its exploration of the ugly, the bad, and the good. Ultimately, one cannot help but conclude that this cinematic endeavor is, unfortunately, an abysmal failure, utterly devoid of any redeeming qualities and leaving the audience feeling more frustrated than entertained.