A Working Man is a Brutal, Blood-Soaked Action Flick – Review

Statham is at his best in A Working Man, but the film lacks punch.

Jason Statham is back, and that alone makes A Working Man worth watching. We don’t get nearly enough Statham on screen these days, and when we do, he always delivers. Even when the movie itself is mid-tier, he remains the best part. It’s safe to say he is easily one of our generation’s top three action stars.

Directed by David Ayer and co-written by Ayer and Sylvester Stallone, A Working Man is a hard-hitting action film with plenty of heart, blood, and vengeance. Statham plays Levon Cade, a former black ops operative who trades his decorated military career for a quiet life in construction. But when his boss’s daughter, who is like family to him, is kidnapped by human traffickers, Cade embarks on a relentless mission to bring her home. His search uncovers a sinister world of corruption that tests his skills and his limits.

From start to finish, A Working Man delivers everything action fans crave.

It has high-stakes fights, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and an unstoppable Statham at his best. The R rating is well-earned, thanks to the level of violence and bloodshed on display. This kind of film reminds audiences why we love Statham in these roles—his presence, physicality, and ability to make every punch and bullet count.

However, the film isn’t without its flaws. While the action is stellar, the overall execution stumbles due to a cheesy script and uneven performances from the supporting cast. Both incredibly talented actors, Michael Peña and David Harbour, seem disengaged, as if they took the roles purely for a paycheck. Their characters feel underdeveloped and, at times, lost in the story. Meanwhile, Statham brings his natural A-game, carrying the entire film on his shoulders.

One of the film’s redeeming qualities is its self-awareness. It embraces its over-the-top nature and injects humor at just the right moments. The story sometimes leans into its cheesiness, making some weaker elements easier to forgive. That said, with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes, the pacing does drag, making it feel closer to two hours and twenty minutes.

A highlight of the film is the portrayal of the “damsel in distress.” Playing the kidnapped girl, Arianna Rivas is not just a helpless victim. She fights back, adding an element of resilience and strength that is often missing in these types of stories. It’s a refreshing change and adds an extra layer to the narrative.

Verdict

I give A Working Man 3.5 out 5 stars. At its core it is a popcorn action flick crafted by a powerhouse team. Ayer, Stallone, and Statham clearly know how to deliver high-adrenaline spectacle. This could have been a knockout if they had managed to build a stronger supporting cast and a tighter script. Still, it’s an entertaining ride for fans of Statham and action movies.

We NEED more Statham in our lives!

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