Alright action movie fans get ready because Jason Statham is back and he's clocking in for overtime in his newest flick " A Working Man ". If you are craving some classic Statham-style action you might want to pay attention. This time he is not just a tough guy he is a blue-collar hero taking on some seriously bad dudes. Let's dive into what "A Working Man" is all about and if it delivers the Statham punch we are all waiting for.
From Construction Site to Crime Scene: The Plot of 'A Working Man' Unpacked
In "A Working Man" Statham plays Levon Cade a construction foreman who seems like a regular Joe. But surprise! He's got a past. A military past to be exact. We get a quick backstory about his commando days and some trauma he is dealing with. However Levon is trying to live a quiet life now working for a construction company owned by his buddy Joe Garcia played by Michael Peña.
Things go sideways when Joe's daughter Jenny gets snatched up by some human traffickers who happen to be connected to the Russian mob. Of course Joe is freaking out and offers Levon cash to get her back. But for Levon it is not about the money. It is about doing the right thing. He promised Jenny he would always have her back and a Statham promise is not something you want to mess with.
So Levon dusts off his particular set of skills and goes full vigilante mode. What follows is a classic Statham revenge mission with bone-crunching fights underworld dealings and a whole lot of bad guys getting what's coming to them. Think "Taken" meets "John Wick" but with a construction worker twist.
Statham Being Statham: Action Deadpan One-Liners and Blue-Collar Grit
Let's be real you are watching a Jason Statham movie for one main reason: Jason Statham. And "A Working Man" gives you exactly what you expect. Statham is in prime ass-kicking form delivering his signature brand of action. Expect his whirlwind fighting style those crouched stances and moves that look like they came straight out of a video game. He's efficient deadly and makes taking down rooms full of goons look almost easy.
And of course it wouldn't be a Statham movie without the deadpan one-liners. He delivers them with that perfect mix of stoicism and subtle humor that has become his trademark. This time around there is also a bit of "everyman heroism" as some review s are calling it. He is not some super spy or billionaire he is just a working guy who happens to be really good at fighting for what's right.
The movie even throws in a line that pretty much sums it up when a bad guy says to Levon "You're not a cop. You’re a working man." It's cheesy but it fits the whole vibe of Statham as this no-nonsense blue-collar action hero.
David Ayer's Direction: Gritty Chicago and Over-the-Top Violence (Maybe a Bit Messy?)
"A Working Man" is directed by David Ayer who also directed Statham in "The Beekeeper". Ayer is known for his gritty urban dramas like "Harsh Times" and "End of Watch" and he brings that kind of style to this film. The movie is set in Chicago and Ayer definitely tries to capture the city's feel. Lots of skyline shots gritty locations and nighttime sequences.
However some critics are saying Ayer's direction is a bit of a "mess". The visuals are described as "overblown" and sometimes geographically confusing. Chicago apparently does not always feel like Chicago in the movie. But on the other hand Ayer seems to get what people want from a Statham movie: lots of action over-the-top violence and a hero who just plows through everything in his path.
The action sequences are definitely a focus with lots of bone-crunching sound effects and brutal takedowns. The movie is not afraid to get violent and some reviews even compare the visually enchanting slaughter to something like "John Wick" though maybe not quite as polished.
Mixed Reviews: Action Wins But Plot and Character Depth Take a Backseat
Critics seem to be pretty divided on "A Working Man". Many reviews point out that the plot is "overloaded" "nonsensical" and basically just a vehicle for Statham to do his thing. Character development is also reportedly thin with Levon being more of an action figure than a fully fleshed out person. Some reviews even call Statham's performance "drier-than-usual".
However if you are going into a Statham movie expecting deep character work and intricate plots you might be watching the wrong genre. Many critics also acknowledge that Statham delivers on the action front. He is the main attraction and for fans of his particular brand of ass-kicking "A Working Man" might just scratch that itch. It really depends on what you are looking for.
'Taken' 'John Wick' and a Dash of Blue-Collar Appeal: What to Expect from 'A Working Man'
If you are trying to decide if "A Working Man" is for you think about these things:
- Classic Statham Action: Expect brutal fight choreography deadpan one-liners and Statham mowing down waves of bad guys.
- Vigilante Justice: It is a revenge story with Statham playing a man who takes the law into his own hands to rescue someone in need.
- Blue-Collar Hero: Statham plays a construction worker which adds a bit of a "working class" element to the action hero trope.
- Gritty Urban Setting: The movie is set in Chicago and tries to create a somewhat gritty underworld vibe though opinions vary on how successful it is.
- Over-the-Top Violence: Expect a high body count and some pretty brutal and stylized action sequences.
- Plot and Character Light: Do not go in expecting a deeply nuanced story or complex characters. Action is definitely the focus here.
Final Verdict: Is 'A Working Man' Worth Your Time?
Ultimately "A Working Man" is a Jason Statham movie doing Jason Statham things. If you are a fan of his action movies and want to see him kick butt take names and deliver some dry one-liners then you will probably find something to enjoy here. Just do not expect a cinematic masterpiece or a deeply meaningful story. It is pure action escapism with a blue-collar twist. And sometimes that is exactly what you are in the mood for. So grab your popcorn get ready for some over-the-top violence and let Statham get back to work.