Jason Statham is back in A Working Man, a movie that tackles sex trafficking with all the gruff, punch-heavy action one might expect from the veteran actor. Drawing inspiration from the novel Levon’s Trade, the film introduces Statham as Levon Cade, a working-class man caught in a fight against an underground crime network after the daughter of his employer is abducted. Directed by David Ayer and co-written by Sylvester Stallone, the film follows Statham’s character as he navigates a series of gritty confrontations, showcasing his well-known tough-guy persona.
In this latest action-thriller, Statham plays Levon, a construction worker who, despite his rough exterior and humble lifestyle, is thrust into a high-stakes rescue mission. Jenny Garcia (Arianna Rivas), the daughter of his boss Joe (Michael Peña), is kidnapped, and Levon, motivated by both personal and financial reasons, is drawn back into a life he tried to leave behind. The plot revolves around Levon’s quest to find Jenny, utilizing his Royal Marine training, while also contending with his own custody battle over his young daughter.
While the movie delivers its share of action sequences, including Statham’s trademark no-nonsense style, it struggles with pacing and tone. Ayer, known for his work on gritty crime dramas, leans into working-class themes, but the constant emphasis on posturing can feel forced, even for a character as naturally tough as Statham’s Levon. Sylvester Stallone’s involvement in the writing brings a sense of camaraderie to Levon’s relationship with his blind friend Gunny (David Harbour), but the movie suffers from a disjointed narrative that switches visual tones and styles, adding a jarring layer to the viewing experience.
One of the film’s key issues is its handling of the central plot. The movie devotes a considerable amount of time to portraying Levon’s character as the working-class hero—tough, dependable, and unfazed by the chaos around him. Yet, the focus on his struggle to prove his worth, particularly in relation to Joe’s more “soft” character, detracts from the central mystery and action. While Statham’s character does engage in some undercover work, infiltrating a motorcycle gang as a drug buyer, the film spends more time on his character’s emotional journey than on the tension of the rescue itself.
The film’s action scenes, though occasionally entertaining, fall short of Statham’s usual high-octane performances. His fight sequences become slower and more methodical, and while his rugged charm remains intact, it is clear that A Working Man does not achieve the same adrenaline-fueled highs as Statham’s best works. The indulgence in violence over mystery leaves the movie feeling like a series of choreographed fights with a few attempts at emotional depth, rather than a truly compelling action film.
Ultimately, A Working Man stands as a missed opportunity. While Statham’s fans may enjoy his presence and the gritty moments sprinkled throughout the movie, the film struggles to balance its action-packed moments with meaningful storytelling. It’s a reminder that even the most reliable action stars can only carry a movie so far when the narrative lacks consistency.
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