Entertainment Blog #225 | The Beekeeper [2024] - Against Online Scammers...

Jason Statham is one of the successful actors in the action thriller movie category. His character comes with some humor. And we all know, a little humor won't harm an action thriller movie. "The Beekeeper" is the latest movie of Jason Statham, actually it's been a few weeks since its digital release. Anyway, I thought of turning my thoughts on the movie into words and here we are...

"The Beekeeper" is a 2024 American action thriller directed by David Ayer and written by Kurt Wimmer. The film stars Jason Statham as Adam Clay, with Emmy Raver-Lampman, Josh Hutcherson, Bobby Naderi, Phylicia Rashad, Jemma Redgrave, and Jeremy Irons. It was distributed in the United States by Amazon MGM Studios under the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures label in January 2024. The film received generally positive reviews from critics and grossed $152.7 million globally.

Retired schoolteacher Eloise Parker lives alone in Massachusetts with Adam Clay, a former "Beekeeper" operative who rents her barn. Eloise commits suicide after falling victim to a phishing scam and losing more than $2 million, the majority of which belongs to the charity she manages. Adam is briefly arrested after discovering her body, but is released when her death is ruled a suicide. Seeking justice, he contacts the Beekeepers, a secretive organization, for assistance in locating those responsible. Adam begins his quest for vengeance with the help of Verona Parker, Eloise's daughter, an FBI agent.

Adam follows the scammers to a call center run by Mickey Garnett. A deadly fight takes place, causing Adam to kill Mickey and destroy the structure. Mickey's boss, technology executive Derek Danforth, dispatches his enforcer, Knox, to eliminate Adam. Adam murders Knox's men and seriously injures Knox, who reveals Adam's identity as a Beekeeper to Derek. Derek, fearing for his life, tells Wallace Westwyld, a former CIA director, about Adam. Wallace, who now works for Derek's mother, Jessica, and coordinates security for Danforth Enterprises, tries to stop Adam.

As Adam continues his revenge campaign, Verona and her partner, Matt Wiley, anticipate his next move. Verona informs the FBI of Adam's Beekeeper status, prompting them to prepare for a confrontation at the Nine Star United Center, where Derek runs his scam call centers. Despite their efforts, Adam invades the building, defeats the FBI SWAT team, and interrogates the manager, discovering Derek is the mastermind. Verona warns Derek that his association with Jessica, the President of the United States, puts her in danger. In a final showdown at the president's mansion, Adam confronts Derek, kills him, and escapes into the ocean to avoid capture.

Jason Statham's character, Adam Clay, undergoes a year-long physical and psychological transformation to play the vengeful former operative in "The Beekeeper." Statham committed to intense physical training and dieting in order to achieve the character's muscular, rugged look. Beyond the physical aspect, Statham delved into the character's emotional journey, portraying Adam's deep-seated anger and determination in his pursuit of justice. This dedication to character allowed Statham to bring depth and authenticity to the role, which improved the film's intensity and action sequences.

"The Beekeeper" stands out from typical action thrillers because it focuses on a more personal and emotionally charged story. Unlike many action films that rely solely on high-octane scenes, "The Beekeeper" delves into the protagonist's inner turmoil and quest for justice, which stems from a strong emotional attachment to the victim, Eloise Parker. This emotional depth deepens Adam Clay's character, elevating the film beyond a simple revenge story. Furthermore, the film delves into themes of redemption and the consequences of one's actions, resulting in a more nuanced and thought-provoking narrative than typical action fare.

Critics gave "The Beekeeper" mixed reviews. While Jason Statham's performance and the film's action sequences were praised for their intensity and entertainment value, some critics thought the plot was formulaic and lacked creativity. The film's extensive use of violence, as well as its portrayal of revenge as a central theme, were criticized for being too straightforward. However, Statham's charming presence and the film's fast-paced nature helped to keep the audience engaged, resulting in a generally positive reception.

"The Beekeeper" earned $66.2 million in the United States and Canada, as well as $86.5 million in other territories, for a global total of $152.7 million. The film's success can be attributed to its engaging plot, strong performances, particularly by Jason Statham in the lead role, and ability to balance action and emotional depth. Despite some mixed reviews, the film struck a chord with audiences, demonstrating Statham's longstanding popularity as an action star and cementing its place as a successful entry into the action thriller genre.