The Beekeeper: A Statham Extravaganza of Justice and Mayhem
The Beekeeper, featuring the iconic Jason Statham, is the kind of film that speaks to a specific audience – those who revel in Statham’s signature brand of kick-ass entertainment. If Statham’s name doesn’t ring a bell, this might not be the movie for you. However, if you’re familiar with the likes of Expendables and Fast & Furious, you’re in for another adrenaline-packed experience with The Beekeeper.
In this cinematic outing, Statham takes on the role of Adam Clay, a man with a unique passion for bees. Yet, don’t be fooled; his love for apiculture takes a back seat to his unwavering commitment to meting out justice. Enter The Beekeepers, a clandestine group of elite agents shrouded in secrecy – so covert that even the head of the CIA might be oblivious to their existence. When all other options fail, The Beekeepers, a squad of highly trained killing machines, step in to clean up the mess.
Director David Ayer, known for his work on Suicide Squad and Fury, weaves a narrative around a simple plot. Adam, a retired Beekeeper, embarks on a quest for vengeance against a heartless scam artist, portrayed by Josh Hutcherson. This cunning antagonist runs call centers dedicated to swindling the elderly out of their savings. The catalyst for Adam’s mission is the theft from Eloise Parker (Phylicia Rashad), his benevolent landlord, who tragically takes her own life in response to the heartless act. Adam’s relentless pursuit of justice begins.
The storyline takes an unapologetically absurd turn as Eloise’s daughter, an FBI agent played by Emmy Raver-Lampman, sets out on a mission to find Adam. A host of other characters joins the pursuit, including Jeremy Irons in the role of a former head of the CIA hired to protect the callous antagonist from various threats.
While the plot may seem secondary, The Beekeeper thrives on Statham’s unyielding determination and Ayer’s creative touch in crafting intense, violent encounters. For a significant portion of its one hour and 45-minute runtime, the film delivers the right dose of excitement. However, the challenge with such movies lies in their tendency to overstay their welcome, making their points early and often.
In the realm of January releases, The Beekeeper might lack the finesse of a John Wick movie, but it serves as a hearty filler for fans who relish movie violence with an over-the-top relish. Statham enthusiasts are likely to find satisfaction in the film’s unabashed commitment to delivering the right amount of sting, even if it wears its welcome thin towards the end.
