A Working Man – (2025)

Release Date: March 28, 2025
Director: David Ayer
Starring: Jason Statham, Michael Peña, David Harbour, Jason Flemyng, Arianna Rivas

So, with so many movies out right now, I figured I’d check out A Working Man. Jason Statham is known for delivering action-packed thrillers, and that’s pretty much what you get with this one. If you’ve seen The Equalizer or John Wick, you’ll recognize the vibe right away—ex-military guy dragged back into the action to save the day. Simple, predictable, but sometimes that’s all you need for a fun night at the movies.

A Blind Date with a Movie

I went in completely blind, no trailers, no reviews, just a gut feeling. I’ve been doing this lately—avoiding spoilers or expectations—and it’s been surprisingly fun. But I did catch a Blumhouse trailer before the film that piqued my interest. It could be a solid watch when it comes out.

The Plot: Action, Suspense, and an Unexpected Batman Moment

Levon Cade (played by Jason Statham) is your classic tough guy with a past. He’s a former Royal Marine Commando (yes, I double-checked that), now trying to live a quiet life as a construction worker. Of course, peace never lasts, and he’s pulled back into the action when his employer’s daughter, Jenny (played by Arianna Rivas), gets kidnapped. It’s your typical revenge plot, but this time, it’s Statham delivering the punches instead of Liam Neeson.

The movie definitely gives off The Equalizer and John Wick vibes. You’ve got that whole “guy trying to retire but pulled back in by a cause” trope, and Levon pretty much turns into Batman as he goes after the bad guys. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but it's definitely entertaining.

The Cast: Statham Carries It, But the Rest...

Jason Statham is exactly what you expect—a tough, no-nonsense guy who’s great in action roles. He brings a solid performance to this film, which is what you need in a movie like this. The action is gory at times, but well done.

However, the supporting cast felt a bit weak. I couldn’t shake the feeling that the entire budget went to Statham’s paycheck, and the rest of the cast was filled with less experienced actors. The Russian characters, like Dimi Kolisnyk, were especially underwhelming—maybe not “bad,” but definitely lacking in depth. Honestly, I started thinking about pursuing acting myself after watching some of them.

Michael Peña (Joe Garcia) is solid, but his role feels underdeveloped, especially given how talented he is. And David Harbour, who’s done great work in Stranger Things and Marvel’s universe, was wasted here. His role is a mere cameo, which felt like a missed opportunity.

The Reception: Critics Aren’t Loving It, but the Audience is Into It

When it comes to public feedback, A Working Man debuted at the top of the box office, pulling in $15.2 million on its opening day. It managed to edge out Disney’s Snow White, which took a hit in its second weekend.

However, the critical reception has been mixed. The Guardian gave it a 2/5, calling it a “sloppy, half-baked Jason Statham action flick” and criticizing its lack of coherence. The Times also didn’t pull punches, pointing out issues with pacing and storytelling. Still, some reviewers, like AS.com, appreciated the action sequences and choreography, even though the plot was predictable.

Controversies: Stereotypes and Writing Issues

There’s also been some controversy regarding the film’s portrayal of certain characters. The Guardian criticized the character of Joe Garcia (played by Peña), saying it indulges in “weird intimations” about his character being too soft and weak to protect his family. This has sparked some conversation about stereotypes in the film. Additionally, the involvement of Sylvester Stallone as a co-writer raised eyebrows, with some questioning how it affected the storytelling and thematic approach of the film.

Final Thoughts: Predictable, but Fun

Despite its flaws, A Working Man is a solid action flick. It’s not going to win any awards, but it provides exactly what you’d expect from a Jason Statham movie: tough guy, revenge plot, and plenty of ass-kicking. Sure, the plot might be predictable, and the supporting cast could have been better, but it still delivers enough action to keep you entertained for the runtime.

Would I watch it again? Sure, maybe for a lazy afternoon.
Would I recommend it? Definitely, if you’re a Statham fan or just in the mood for an easy action flick.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)

While it’s not perfect, A Working Man is a fun, straightforward action movie. Not the deepest film out there, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need.