If you’re not into the wild action of David Ayer’s January movie “The Beekeeper” by the time someone tells the main character, “To bee or not to bee, that is the bloody question,” then it’s probably not for you. Late in the movie, Ayer and writer Kurt Wimmer have packed in enough bee jokes, action, and strange appearances by British actors to entertain those looking for an easy, fun movie. It’s not groundbreaking and a bit rough, but it’s energetic and silly enough to draw crowds.
The movie sets up Jason Statham as a John Wick-like character (though he’s already in many franchises), and it tries hard to be like that. Amid a bunch of similar movies, it stands out a bit. Statham plays his role well, balancing the right amount of seriousness and humor. He’s a beekeeper and a retired teacher’s landworker, played by the talented Phylicia Rashad. After she’s tricked and ends up in financial ruin, leading to a tragic end, Statham seeks revenge against the system that failed her.
This starts his mission, though Ayer quickly moves past this plot point. It introduces Rashad’s FBI agent daughter (played less convincingly by Emmy Raver-Lampman) and sets up some over-the-top dialogue and bee-related lines. In this world, a beekeeper is also a skilled assassin, leading to FBI agents having to learn about beekeeping to catch him.
The movie follows a typical action movie structure, leading to a final showdown. Filmed in the UK but set in the US, it features underused actors like Minnie Driver, Jeremy Irons, and Jemma Redgrave. Josh Hutcherson plays an annoying tech guy, adding some humor. The plot absurdly connects to the White House, and Wimmer tries to comment on politics and business, but it’s not very serious. The action-packed ending leaves room for a sequel.
Statham is professional as always, and while the film is similar to others, he shines more in his non-franchise roles like “Operation Fortune” and “Wrath of Man.” It would be interesting to see him in more varied roles. Ayer’s style works well for the movie, and there’s a good chance for a sequel.
