The Beekeeper Statham Buzzing: In the realm of David Ayer‘s batty January thriller, “The Beekeeper,” the audience is faced with a swarm of bee puns and bone-cracking action. As the titular character contemplates, “To bee or not to bee, that is the bloody question,” Ayer and screenwriter Kurt Wimmer immerse us in a world of bee-related chaos and unexpected cameos from British actors. While the film may not birth a devoted Beekeeper hive due to its derivative nature and rough edges, it offers enough energy and well-pitched silliness to attract audiences seeking a low-stakes, medium-reward cinematic experience this weekend.
Positioned as Jason Statham’s version of John Wick, the film’s eagerness to establish itself in a crowded landscape of imitators can be distracting. However, Statham’s familiarity with such material shines through, making a more compelling case than most. The story kicks off with Statham’s character, a withdrawn beekeeper, motivated by the tragic events surrounding his landowner, portrayed by the luminous Phylicia Rashad. The narrative takes a surprisingly emotional turn as Rashad falls victim to a call center scam, leading to financial ruin and a tragic end.
Statham embarks on a mission to confront the system that preyed on Rashad’s character, introducing her FBI agent daughter and setting the stage for humorous yet cringe-worthy dialogue. The script, penned by Kurt Wimmer, weaves bee-related metaphors and confusing lines into the narrative, turning a beekeeper into a trained assassin protecting the queen bee. The FBI agents pursuing Statham’s character find themselves delving into the world of beekeeping to unravel the mystery.
Structured like a video game, the story progresses through various encounters, featuring underused talents like Minnie Driver, a snarling Jeremy Irons, and a lackluster Jemma Redgrave. Josh Hutcherson adds to the mix as an obnoxious tech bro, injecting a dose of obnoxious energy. As the Beekeeper navigates the plot, the honey trail leads to an ambitiously placed White House, offering a vague commentary on the intersection of politics and big business.
Despite the film’s attempt at social commentary, it remains clear that Ayer and Wimmer don’t take themselves too seriously. The finale is action-packed with minimal dialogue, featuring an exhilaratingly gory hallway fight scene. The film ends on a note that awkwardly hints at potential sequels.
Statham’s professionalism shines through, but the film treads familiar ground. While his recent non-franchise films showcased his versatility, “The Beekeeper” follows the expected formula. Statham’s collaboration with Ayer, known for his gritty style, captures a late-night appeal with its trashy aesthetic. “The Beekeeper” buzzes with a promise of a sequel, embracing its over-the-top nature and offering a satisfying yet predictable cinematic experience.
FAQ About The Beekeeper Statham Buzzing Action
Q: Why is the beekeeper rated R?
Ans: The film is rated R for its pervasive depiction of strong violence, extensive use of explicit language, inclusion of some sexual references, and portrayal of drug use. This rating indicates a mature content advisory, cautioning viewers about the nature of the depicted scenes and themes within the movie.
Q: What is the movie Beekeeper about?
Ans: One man’s brutal campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after it’s revealed he’s a former operative of a powerful and clandestine organization known as Beekeepers.
Q: Is the beekeeper a real movie?