Jakarta. After more than two decades in the film industry, Jason Statham’s name has solidified as one of Hollywood’s A-list action stars, known for portraying tough characters. This has created a stereotypical image of Statham as an unbeatable warrior.
This familiar portrayal resurfaces in Jason Statham’s latest film, “The Beekeeper” (2024), which premiered in Indonesian cinemas on Wednesday. Showcasing impressive action sequences with meticulously structured tension, “The Beekeeper” seems to compile clichés from Statham’s various action films throughout his career.
From the outset, “The Beekeeper” establishes Statham’s presence as an invincible action star. He plays Adam Clay, a beekeeper who turns out to be a secret agent with the authority to do anything to protect his “hive.”
Following the tragic suicide of his friend Eloise Parker (Phylicia Rashad), a victim of cybercrime, Clay is determined to uphold justice and expose an international phishing network based in the US. It appears that there are vested interests behind the syndicate, forcing Clay to use all his combat skills to seek revenge and dismantle the evil corporation responsible.
What sets “The Beekeeper” apart is Statham’s involvement as both a producer and the lead star. The film seems to offer Statham’s perspective on the genre he has mastered over the years.
The character of Clay depicted in the film appears to be a combination of the action heroes he has portrayed, ranging from “Transporter” and “Crank” to “The Mechanic.” Throughout his career in action films, it feels like only “Spy” (2015) did not showcase Statham as an unstoppable tough guy (he portrayed an emotionally reckless agent in that film).
Directed by David Ayer (“Fury,” “Suicide Squad”), “The Beekeeper” also explores the dark side of technology and its impact on individuals. The screenplay, written by Kurt Wimmer, a seasoned writer in the action film genre, introduces a plot full of intrigue delving into phishing issues and cybercrime, creating a narrative relevant to the current era.
Watching Statham’s action as Clay throughout the 105-minute film, which heavily relies on his close combat and bare-handed fighting skills, may indeed come across as cliché. Clay defeating dozens of security guards, soldiers, secret agents, and mercenaries seems excessive and implausible for a rational audience.
It even appears more cliché than characters like John Wick (Keanu Reeves), who seems indestructible, or Ip Man (Donnie Yen), who can defeat dozens of Japanese soldiers and gangsters, or Yuda in “The Raid” (Iko Uwais), who can take down hundreds of gang members bare-handed (Statham may have had a chat with Uwais, his co-star in the latest “Expend4bles”).
“The Beekeeper” also features other cast members, such as Emmy Raver-Lampman, Josh Hutcherson, Bobby Naderi, Minnie Driver, and Jeremy Irons. Unfortunately, they seem to serve as minor characters and complements, given Statham’s dominant presence.
In the end, “The Beekeeper” becomes an action film that provides an enjoyable cinematic experience, even though it may come across as cliché and excessive for those not fond of the genre, especially those who are not die-hard fans of Jason Statham.