Film Review: The Working Man
In cinemas now
Directed by: David Ayer
Screenplay by: Sylvester Stallone and David Ayer
Based on the book “Levon’s Trade” by: Chuck Dixon
Cast: Jason Statham, Jason Flemyng, Merab Ninidze, Maximilian Osinski, Cokey Falkow, with Michael Peña and David Harbour
Also starring Noemi Gonzalez, Arianna Rivas, Emmett J. Scanlan, Eve Mauro
Genre: Action
The Working Man attempts to blend action and emotional depth but struggles to find the right balance. Jason Statham stars as a construction site supervisor and former Green Beret, drawn into a dangerous underworld when his boss’s daughter is kidnapped during a night out. Initially hesitant, he ultimately agrees to rescue her, leading him into a violent confrontation with the Russian mob. After interrogating and killing a mob boss, he becomes their next target, setting off a chain of events that should deliver a gripping action thriller. However, instead of an intense and fast-paced ride, the film gets bogged down with too much time spent investigating and tracking rather than delivering the adrenaline-fueled sequences expected of a modern action flick.
With a screenplay by Sylvester Stallone, the film tries to add emotional depth by touching on themes of grief and redemption. Statham’s character is a widowed father, haunted by his wife’s suicide while he was away working. While this attempt to inject sentiment is commendable, it never quite hits the mark, feeling more like an obligatory subplot than a natural emotional arc. The pacing issues further dampen the impact, making it difficult for the audience to invest in the personal struggles of the protagonist.
Despite these shortcomings, the film isn’t without its strengths. The action scenes, though not groundbreaking, are well-executed, and Statham is as compelling as ever in his physicality. That said, some moments stretch believability—taking on eight opponents at once without breaking a sweat works in an over-the-top action spectacle, but in a film that leans into realism, it feels out of place. If the story had been stripped down to its essentials, focusing more on high-energy sequences rather than drawn-out investigation scenes, it could have been a far more engaging experience.
The film carries strong Taken vibes but falls short of delivering the same gripping urgency. While Taken thrived on Liam Neeson’s raw intensity and emotional drive, The Working Man feels like a diluted version with a less compelling narrative. It also indulges in clichéd Russian mob stereotypes, which might have worked better if the film’s pacing had been tighter and the villains more developed. There’s even an unintentional cringe moment when the rescued girl flips off her dead captors—a scene that feels unnecessarily exaggerated and overly Americanized.
That being said, The Working Man does offer some impressive visuals. The film’s locations are striking, and certain moments—such as an extravagant party with costumes reminiscent of Venice—add a welcome sense of style. Even smaller details, like the ornate biker helmets, contribute to the film’s aesthetic appeal. However, strong visuals alone aren’t enough to elevate a film that ultimately lacks originality and a compelling flow.
In the end, The Working Man isn’t a bad movie, but it’s not particularly memorable either for myself. The cast is solid, the action is decent, and there are a few standout moments, but it never fully capitalises on its potential. Compared to other recent Statham films, such as The Beekeeper, it fails to leave a lasting impression.
Rating: 2.5/5
Mirre Jaklofsky
