The Beekeeper (2024) Movie Review

The Beekeeper Movie Review

In "The Beekeeper," Jason Statham plays a character named Adam Clay, a modern-day version of Clint Eastwood's mysterious "Man with No Name," now upgraded with MMA skills. Adam lives a quiet life in the countryside, raising bees and selling their honey. Despite being a beekeeper, he's far from ordinary.

His closest companion is Eloise Parker, an older woman who rents him space in her barn. Adam claims Eloise is the only person who ever cared for him. However, tragedy strikes when Eloise falls victim to a phishing scam, draining her bank account and the funds of a nonprofit she helped establish. This prompts Adam to transform from a beekeeper into a commando, donning disguises to seek justice where the law falls short.

The best film keeps Adam's backstory and his relationship with Eloise intentionally vague, leaving viewers to wonder about his past. Adam's character is portrayed as a super-secret commando, operating independently of any known government structures and serving as a kind of self-regulating force in society. The movie purposely avoids delving into the details, maintaining an air of mystery around Adam's origins and purpose.

"The Beekeeper," a collaboration between director David Ayer ("Suicide Squad," "Fury") and seasoned action-thriller screenwriter Kurt Wimmer, spotlights its main star, Jason Statham, who impressively handles everything from dialogue to martial arts and gunplay with straightforward simplicity.

Statham's captivating performance builds on his excellent work in Guy Ritchie's "Wrath of Man." In "The Beekeeper," he skillfully portrays Adam, a character with depth and emotion. Statham's understated approach becomes particularly impactful when Adam briefly shares his deep connection with Eloise or delves into philosophical reflections on beehive organization and societal functioning. Statham's ability to deliver lines like "I believe there's good in the universe" convincingly adds depth to both the character and the film's thematic elements.

The best film's antagonists are worth noting for their exceptional casting, considering their considerable number. Standouts include David Witts as Garnett, the charismatic leader of a deceptive scheme against Eloise; Josh Hutcherson as Derek Danforth, the spoiled and sleazy vice president of a data mining company; Jeremy Irons as Wallace Westwyld, a cynical former CIA director; and Taylor James as a boastful mercenary. Each character is morally or physically repulsive in their own way, adding depth to the film's conflict. Derek, in particular, is portrayed with a distinctive look and a vocal tone that emphasizes his unpleasant demeanor. James' character, when expressing disdain for Adam, even adds a visceral touch with misty plumes of saliva. Irons is dressed and lit to enhance his appearance as a thoroughly detestable character, reminiscent of his roles in 1990s black comedies and thrillers.

It's disappointing that "The Beekeeper" falls short of becoming the thrilling guilty pleasure it hints at. There's a potential hit hidden within the story, especially if it focused solely on Jason Statham's character, Adam, and his mission against the despicable individuals he's after. Unfortunately, the film feels disjointed and occasionally too flippant. It introduces an unnecessary subplot involving Eloise's FBI agent daughter, Verona Parker, and her partner, Matt Wiley, who aim to apprehend Adam. However, this side story, while well-acted, doesn't add much and distracts from the main narrative.

The movie's letdown extends to its political and philosophical stance, as it takes the easy way out in the end. Like many vigilante action films, it avoids confronting systemic corruption and instead blames a few bad apples without implicating the larger issues. This missed opportunity for a bold statement diminishes the impact of the film. While most socially critical Hollywood genre films tend to shy away from systemic issues, "The Beekeeper" had the chance to be different but opted for a familiar narrative.

Nevertheless, when Jason Statham takes control of the screen, engaging in intense action sequences, the film shines. In these moments, it channels the spirit of classics like "Billy Jack" and the original “Walking Tall.” It taps into the fantasy of exacting satisfying revenge on white-collar criminals who exploit innocent people without facing consequences. Personally, it made me reflect on the elderly people in my life who fell victim to scams and swindlers, with little help from the authorities. The idea of justice being served by someone like Statham's character is undeniably appealing, offering a cinematic escape where retribution is delivered to those who deserve it.