About the film (courtesy of MGM Studios):
Levon Cade (Jason Statham) left behind a decorated military career in the black ops to live a simple life working construction. But when his boss’s daughter, who is like family to him, is taken by human traffickers, his search to bring her home uncovers a world of corruption far greater than he ever could have imagined.
A Working Man delivers precisely the brand of hard-hitting cinema one anticipates from a Jason Statham vehicle that bears the unmistakable imprint of Sylvester Stallone as a co-writer and co-producer. The film doesn’t shy away from brutal, bone-crunching action, and this intensity spills over into some of the narrative choices, occasionally to its detriment.
This project marks another collaboration between Statham and director David Ayer, following their previous venture, the action-packed thriller
Stepping into the gritty world crafted by Ayer, Statham embodies a character steeped in a familiar blend of stoicism and lethal proficiency. When the fists start flying – and they do so with considerable frequency – the impact feels tangible. The fight choreography is brutal and direct, showcasing Statham’s signature style of swift, decisive movements. There’s a rawness to the action that feels authentic, a welcome departure from overly stylized sequences that sometimes plague the genre. Fans of Statham’s previous work will find plenty to appreciate in these moments of controlled chaos.
However, the film’s commitment to intensity isn’t limited to the action. The writing, while aiming for a similar level of hard-edged realism, occasionally falters. Some of the dialogue and narrative beats can feel a bit heavy-handed, lacking the nuance that would elevate them beyond mere tough talk. It’s in these moments that the Stallone influence, while perhaps intended to inject a sense of old-school grit, sometimes leads to a slightly less polished feel compared to the sharper, more streamlined narrative of Beekeeper. In fact, it feels more like a spinoff or origin story of one of the characters in the Expendables franchise.
Clocking in at just under the two-hour mark, A Working Man certainly packs a lot onto the screen. Director David Ayer keeps the pacing brisk, ensuring that there’s rarely a dull moment. Yet, in this rush to deliver a constant stream of action and plot developments, some elements feel less crucial than others. Certain subplots or character introductions don’t quite land with the intended impact, leaving the audience wondering about their overall relevance to the central narrative. While these tangential elements don’t derail the film entirely, they do contribute to a sense that the movie could have benefited from a more focused and streamlined approach.
Despite these minor shortcomings, A Working Man largely succeeds in its primary goal: to deliver a solid dose of action entertainment. Jason Statham is reliably charismatic and physically commanding in the lead role, and David Ayer’s directorial hand keeps the proceedings moving at a satisfying pace. While it may not reach the heights of their previous collaboration, and the script occasionally stumbles in its pursuit of unyielding intensity, there’s still enough here to keep action aficionados engaged.
If you’re looking for a no-holds-barred action flick with a familiar face at the helm and a touch of classic action movie sensibility, then this should provide a worthwhile experience, even if it doesn’t quite knock you out. You can see A Working Man only in theaters starting Friday, March 28th.
