The Beekeeper

As we are now in what is typically called a film dead zone which starts on January 1st, we are offered a typical fare that one would expect during this season. Usually the film would be deemed mediocre, however "The Beekeeper" is one film that gives a one two punch that clearly keeps the audience's attention.

One man's brutal campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after he, Adam Clay (Jason Statham) is revealed to be a former, retired operative of a powerful and clandestine organization known as "Beekeepers", which is an entity where they are contacted when the 'system' fails to carry out justice. Eloise Parker (Phylicia Rashad) took care of Clay for a number of years, so when he discovers that she dies, he comes to realize that her death is linked to a dark scamming organization which is also linked to a major cover up. Parker's daughter, Verona (Emmy Raver-Lampman) is an FBI agent who, realizing that Clay is a friend of her mom's, seeks to want to help him, but also knows that his vengeful situation cannot be justified. Let the cat-and-mouse game begin. 

Others to round out the cast are Josh Hutcherson as Derek Danforth, Boddy Naderi as Agent Matt Wiley, Jeremy Irons as Wallace Westwyld, David Witts as Mickey Garnett, Jemma Redgrave as President Danforth, Minnie Driver as Director Janet Harward, Michael Epp as Pettis and Taylor James as Lazarus. 

This was directed by amazingly seasoned David Ayer ("Harsh Times" '05, "Street Kings" '08, "End of Watch" '12, "Sabotage" '14, "Fury" '14, "Suicide Squad" '16, "Bright" '17, "The Tax Collector" '20) plus TV, music videos and videos. Even though this filmmaker consistently stays within his comfort zone, genre wise, he knows what he knows best and is able to produce a hard-hitting, riveting and intense film that audiences love. He always ends up pleasing his fan base, probably because he does stick to what he does best. It was also written incredibly well by veteran Kurt Wimmer ("Sphere" '98, "The Thomas Crown Affair" '99, "Equilibrium" '02, "The Recruit" '03, "Ultraviolet" '06, "Street Kings"'08, "Law Abiding Citizen" '09, "Salt" '10, "Total Recall" '12, "Point Break" '15, "Children of the Corn" '20, "Spell" '20, "The Misfits" '21, "Expend4bles" '23). As with Ayer, this writer doesn't wander too far from the genre he has been so successful and creative with. I guess it's like the old adage, "if it's not broke, why fix it?". The scenes were fluid in their progression as the story unfolded as was the sequencing. He was slick in its presentation and was the character development, especially that of Statham as Clay. The editing by Geoffrey O'Brien was slick and definitely helped with the frenetic feel of the story. And the stunts by Eddie Fernandez and fight coordination by Jeremy Marinas were some of the best I've seen in films in a while. This may not be a "Schindler's List" or a "Sophie's Choice" obviously, but it is one of the better films of this genre I've seen in while, only second to "Equalizer 3". 

Certainly if you're a Statham aficionado, you'll be engrossed in this film--it being one of his best. But even if you're not, the story and stunts will keep you moving right along. If you like your films up, close and personal, this is presented in an IMAX format as well. 

Out of 4 of Stars: 4                                         Rated: R                                           106mins.