Film Review: Beekeeper

 Genre: Action / Thriller

Cert: 15 cert

Director:  David Ayer

Screenwriter: Kurt Wimmer,  Jason Statham, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Bobby Naderi

Starring: Jason Statham, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Bobby Naderi, Josh Hutcherson, Jeremy Irons, David Witts, Michael Epp, Taylor James, Phylicia Rashad, Jemma Redgrave, Minnie Driver, Don Gilet, Sophia Feliciano, Enzo Cilenti, Megan Le, Dan Li, Georgia Goodman, Derek Siow

Running time: 1h 45m

Parents are advised to read before viewing the film as some scenes may contain scenes unsuitable for younger viewers.

Sex & Nudity: Very mild sexual references involving virginity. Some cleavage is seen at a party.

One character criticises another for having "an endless stream of sex workers", (trafficked victims) prompting them to smile.

Violence & Gore: Several sequences of action violence involving repeated stabbings and bloody shootings. Fingers are sliced off and are seen multiple times in close-ups.

A man's face is stapled several times.

2 Men Are Punched In The Face By A Beekeeper.

A Man Gets Dragged Off A Bridge With A Truck.

A Woman Gets Burned Then Dies In A Explosion.

An elevator crashes, resulting in several deaths, one of which is quite graphic, but happens pretty quickly.

A Man From FBI Kills A Mother's Son.

Profanity: Frequent uses of "f*ck", a single use of "c*nt" and "d*ck" and other uses of "sh*t".

Over 100 f-words. However, it is never used by Adam Clay; his most severe word is "Goddamn".

Alcohol/drugs: Two scenes where a man snorts cocaine.

A character lights a cigarette and takes a drag, before passing it to another character who does the same and then stubs it out.

Light social drinking.

One character asks another if they are "sober enough to drive". The second character looks at an almost empty bottle ( implying they have drunk a lot ), then says that they are.

Frightening/Intense Scenes: Some relatively brief torture scenes.

Story: One man's brutal campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after he is revealed to be a former operative of a powerful and clandestine organization known as "Beekeepers".

Review: In "The Beekeeper," Jason Statham takes a surprising turn from his typical action roles, portraying a mysterious beekeeper navigating a world of intrigue. Clocking in at 110 minutes, the film provides a unique blend of suspense, drama, and a touch of Statham's trademark intensity.

The film's strengths lie in its unexpected narrative and Statham's compelling performance. His portrayal of the enigmatic beekeeper adds depth to the character, showcasing a different facet of his acting prowess. The storyline, though unconventional for Statham, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, unravelling a web of secrets within the beekeeping community.

Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. Cinematic shots of buzzing hives and serene apiaries create a captivating backdrop, effectively contrasting with the suspenseful plot. The use of natural lighting and earthy tones enhances the immersive experience, making the beekeeping world a character in itself.

However, the film is not without its flaws. Some action aficionados may find the deviation from Statham's usual genre a bit disorienting. While the suspenseful elements are well-executed, the pacing in certain sequences could be tightened to maintain the audience's engagement consistently.

The supporting cast, while competent, occasionally fades into the background. More development of secondary characters could have strengthened the overall ensemble and added layers to the unfolding mystery. The chemistry between Statham and his co-stars, while adequate, doesn't reach the electrifying levels seen in some of his previous films.

The soundtrack, composed of a blend of atmospheric tones and pulsating beats, complements the film's mood effectively. However, there are instances where the music overshadows crucial dialogue, creating moments of auditory imbalance.


Overall: In conclusion, "The Beekeeper" is a commendable departure from Jason Statham's action-packed repertoire, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The film's visual allure, coupled with an intriguing narrative, makes it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a different side of Statham. While not without its pacing and character development challenges, "The Beekeeper" succeeds in creating a buzz around Statham's ability to tackle diverse roles, leaving audiences eager for his next cinematic venture.

Rating:  5 out of 5 for entertainment /  8 out of  10 for brutal action