IR Film Review: THE BEEKEEPER [MGM]
The aspect of creating a good Jason Statham film is to almost take the Statham out of the equation. Though Statham has been established as an action genre all his own, he is always at his best when he is playing a character that has an extremity of quirks all his own. With "The Beekeeper" by having David Ayer at the helm and the always dependable Kurt Wimmer writing, it is about the mythology more than the man. Adam Clay (Statham) just wants to be left alone. He has set up shop renting some land from Eloise Parker (Felicia Rashad) where he raises bees. The reality is that the set up that brings him back in, although current, is a little flimsy. However the aspect of the scam structure is all too prevalent. The story works on more of a 90s auspice that all paths lead to a source. Now granted, the way that said Beekeeper moves up the ranks has merit and is quite fun to watch. However, those at the top are simply pawns for a bigger thought,
Now while the resolution is undeniably abrupt, it works for better future installments if the script is a little tighter. Josh Hutcherson plays sort of the demigogue in charge who is more buffoon and nepo baby than an actual threat. The intergration of Jeremy Irons as a watchdog of sorts has merit but he is not quite allowed to get the base line he really needs to be. The cache of bad guys actually is the more relevant structure and the way the Beekeeper gets to and through them in quite brutal. However the best parts are when you see Clay go up against those like him who don't have any moral quandary. That is where the film succeeds since it doesn't not hold back in wanting to be politically correct...it just tends to go for it.
The underlying story with an FBI agent in Verona Parker (Emmy Raver-Lampman) is supposed to provide the texture that this is all being done for the greater good and to create a thread of empathy to make what Clay does palpable. That said, the entire path is still very flimsy though suprisiingly fun if you don't take it too seriously. Statham plays it more grounded to the bone and it actually serves the character well, once you understand why he is...not that a backstory is even necessary because it is not really provided. "The Beekeeper" is a shoot em' up with a lead character is a bad guy but less bad than the othes, which is likely a good thing. B
By TIm Wassberg
