A Working Man Review: Jason Statham Action Movie Is Violently Entertaining
David Ayer and Jason Statham team up once again in A Working Man, an action thriller that delivers exactly what fans expect from the genre—hard-hitting action, a no-nonsense protagonist, and a high body count. Following last year’s The Beekeeper, their second collaboration proves just as entertaining, tapping into Statham’s well-established tough-guy persona while showcasing Ayer’s knack for gritty, street-level storytelling. Written by Sylvester Stallone and Ayer, the film is based on the 2014 novel Levon’s Trade by Chuck Dixon, and it generally delivers what you’d expect.
Statham plays Levon Cade, a former Royal Marines commando turned construction worker in Chicago. The film wastes no time in establishing Levon’s credentials; within the first act, some local thugs show up at his job site to cause trouble, only to be promptly and brutally dispatched. It’s a fantastic way to set the tone—efficient, brutal, and exactly the kind of opening action fans are here for. We also learn that Levon is estranged from his daughter, an element that adds depth to his character and hints at his PTSD from years of service. Ayer and Stallone’s script smartly gives Levon a personal stake beyond the action, making him more than just another unstoppable killing machine.
The core plot, however, is well-worn territory. Levon’s boss’s teenage daughter, Jenny (Arianna Rivas), is kidnapped by human traffickers, forcing him back into action. Hollywood has long relied on the damsel-in-distress trope to drive action thrillers, and A Working Man doesn’t stray far from the formula. It’s the same basic structure as Taken—a highly skilled man must use his particular set of skills to rescue a woman from an underground criminal enterprise. The film also feels familiar to Rambo: Last Blood, another Stallone script. It never pretends to reinvent the wheel, but it does execute the formula with confidence and style.
One of the highlights is how the action sequences embrace Statham’s physicality. There’s an inherent fun in watching him square off against waves of villains, dismantling them with brutal efficiency. Ayer knows exactly how to use Statham, letting the star’s sheer presence do much of the work. The film builds up to an explosive final act, where Levon cuts through a small army of traffickers in a gloriously violent bloodbath. It’s old-school action at its most satisfying — no CGI-heavy spectacle, just raw, bone-crunching combat that reminds audiences why Statham remains a top-tier action star. Visually, it feels a bit reminiscent of the mansion battle from the final act of John Wick: Chapter 4, and that’s a tough bar to clear. Ayer doesn’t exactly surpass it, but his work here remains quite entertaining.
However, the film’s weakness lies in its villains. There’s a seemingly endless conveyor belt of antagonists, all of whom Levon dispatches with relative ease. While this keeps the pacing brisk, it also means none of the villains stand out as particularly memorable. A Working Man spends a bit too much time setting up these forgettable adversaries rather than investing in a single, truly formidable antagonist. This ultimately lessens the stakes, as we never feel like Levon is up against anyone who poses a real threat.
Despite its formulaic nature, the film does allow for some character moments, particularly with Jenny. Arianna Rivas gets to inject some personality into the role, but it comes a little too late into the story to make a significant impact. On the supporting cast side, David Harbour appears in a small but effective role, though his character ultimately feels underutilized. He’s more of a plot device than a meaningful presence, which is disappointing because we’ve seen his action chops in movies like Violent Night. Ultimately, this is one of his more forgettable roles at a time when he should be getting more interesting work. Michael Peña also appears in the film and shows off strong dramatic chops in the scenes he has.
Stylistically, Ayer brings his signature grit to the film, grounding the action in a world that feels lived-in and dangerous. The violence is gratuitous but gleefully satisfying, embracing the kind of old-school action spectacle that action movie aficionados will eat up. It’s not quite as gory as some may hope, particularly fans of other recent action films like Novocaine. Also, unlike The Beekeeper, which gave us an incredible final boss battle, this movie’s boss battle is much shorter and less thrilling. While the story itself is predictable, the execution keeps it engaging, and the brisk pacing ensures there’s never a dull moment.
A Working Man may not break new ground, but it delivers exactly what it promises. If The Beekeeper was about Statham taking down phone scammers, this is Statham ripping through human traffickers. It’s a solid action thriller that leans into Statham’s strengths and provides plenty of brutal, well-choreographed fight sequences where he beats up a lot of people who deserve it. While its villains lack impact and the plot is overly familiar, the film makes up for it with sheer entertainment value. If you’re a fan of Statham’s previous work—whether as a transporter, mechanic, beekeeper, or now, a working man—you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.
SCORE: 7/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 7 equates to “Good.” A successful piece of entertainment that is worth checking out, but it may not appeal to everyone.
Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our A Working Man review.
Source: Comingsoon.net