Review by Jon Donnis
Jason Statham returns to familiar action thriller territory with A Working Man, a gritty and intense film that brings back the tough, no-nonsense style of action movies from the '80s and '90s. Directed by David Ayer and co-written with Sylvester Stallone, the film offers a solid blend of high-intensity combat and a revenge-fuelled plot that makes for an entertaining, if formulaic, ride.
Statham plays Levon Cade, a former Royal Marine Commando who has left his violent past behind to lead a construction team. But when Jenny, the teenage daughter of his boss's family, is kidnapped by a Russian human trafficking syndicate, Levon's world is turned upside down. With nothing left to lose, he embarks on a relentless mission to get her back, facing off against the Bratva-led criminal organization, headed by the ruthless Symon Kharchenko.
The film takes audiences through a brutal series of confrontations as Levon makes his way through the syndicate, picking off one criminal after another, including gangsters and a dangerous biker crew. The action is non-stop and bloody, with Statham delivering the physicality that fans of his films expect. The supporting cast, including Michael Peña as Levon's boss Joe Garcia and David Harbour as the ex-soldier ally Gunny, provide decent backing, though it's clear that Statham's commanding presence is the main draw.
While the action is gripping, the film's pacing does suffer from its length. At nearly two hours, it drags in certain places where tighter editing could have created a more efficient and impactful narrative. The film doesn't offer any major surprises and follows a familiar trajectory, much like Taken (2008), but it holds attention with its intense fight scenes and Statham's solid performance.
A Working Man is a refreshing return to classic action, offering exactly what it promises: thrilling action, high stakes, and a vengeance-driven hero. While it might not break any new ground, it certainly satisfies those in the mood for a traditional action-packed ride.
Solid score of 8.5 out of 10.
In Cinemas Now and coming soon to Prime Video - https://amzn.to/4iLUwoK
