The Beekeeper

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If you enjoy a good action flick that's a solid combination of dumb and fun, 'The Beekeeper' is a fairly solid choice for something new that holds age-old action movie traditions. All told, this movie is kinda ridiculous when you get right down to it, but I'll be damned if I said I didn't still have a really fun time with it. If you've come to see a Jason Statham action movie, you will not be disappointed because that's what you get. But I do have to say that upon reading a few ratings elsewhere it is a flick that's probably kinda overrated for what it actually is.

That being said, what we do have here is pretty much a standard revenge film in the spirit of something like 'John Wick', but this time, the revenge is fuelled by crooked companies who delight in phishing scams. Anyone who knows someone who has fallen victim to something like a phishing scam, especially a family member, will not have any problem routing for our main character here, Adam Clay (Statham). And I will say that for anyone who loves seeing Statham kick ass and take names, the film does a good job of delivering that action.

This whole thing starts when a woman named Eloise Parker (Phylicia Rashad) falls for a phishing scam so badly that it leads her to commit suicide. This, in turn, pours the fuel on the fire that is Adam Clay's rage, as he lived as a tenant in her barn as a friendly beekeeper, and she was only ever sweet and kind to him. Turns out that his title as "beekeeper" extends to a mysterious organization of people with incredible skills, very reminiscent of the Continental Hotel, once again, from 'John Wick'. Through them, Clay finds the scammers responsible for not only Eloise, but countless other innocent victims they've cleaned out.

Clay begins his revenge by storming a UDG (United Data Group) building, which the Beekeepers led him to, messing it up real nice, and capturing the attention of technology executive, Derek Danforth (Josh Hutcherson) who sends thugs to take care of him. Of course, with Danforth being the head of everything, Clay gives him fair warning that he's coming after him, and will take care of anyone who stands in his way. This is fairly typical, we've seen it all before, and that's why I conclude that perhaps the film is a touch overrated according to various reviews. But again, it's fun, and it's easy to put ourselves in the victims' shoes.

In the meantime, while Clay is doing his vigilante thing, we have two regular cops who are trying to get down to the source of Eloise's suicide; a cop of comedy relief, Agent Matt Wiley (Bobby Naderi) and more importantly, Agent Verona Parker (Emmy Raver-Lampman), Eloise's daughter. Meanwhile out villain also gets help from ex head-of-CIA, Wallace Westwyld (Jeremy Irons) whose seriousness brings a solid contrast to his scenes with Danforth; Danforth basically being the sarcastic brat who isn't listening to "Uncle" Wallace... or his own Mom (Jemma Redgrave), who, of course, is really running the show.

All in all, this is something of a combination of 'John Wick' as far as revenge plot goes, and just about any old Steven Seagal action flick as far as how over the top and almost overkill it can get. And oh yes, there are a few one-liners here as well as some great (albeit cheesy) bee puns. This is one of those movies I like to classify as a "carnival ride" in as much as it's just a fun, good time. It's a film that doesn't take itself seriously, and you pretty much know exactly what you're in for just by the trailer, if not the title alone. A Jason Statham action movie called "The Beekeeper?" I mean, c'mon. Have fun with it.

And while this movie is a good time, I return to the point where I said this was perhaps a bit overrated. That's only really because we've seen revenge films almost just like this before, many times, and often done better. But if you're like me and enjoy a good fun-dumb action movie full of puns, overall silliness, ridiculous scenarios and even a bit of relatability fuelling everything, this is a movie that holds its own. It's not gonna top my list by the end of the year, but it's something I had fun with, and it's something I'd recommend to anyone just looking for a bit of fun... but violent fun... as only Statham can deliver.

4/5

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