"A Working Man" is a film featuring Jason Statham as Levon Cade, an ex-Royal Marine who embarks on a mission to rescue his friend’s kidnapped daughter. The narrative thrusts him into the dark and violent criminal underbelly of Chicago. The film is characterized by its action-oriented plot, which echoes themes and styles from classic action films such as "Commando," "Taken," and "John Wick."

Main Character

Levon Cade

• Portrayal: Jason Statham embodies the character of Levon Cade, who is essentially a version of Statham himself. Cade is depicted as a tough, rugged individual with a shadowy military background.
• Accent: The character's accent is described as an unplaceable blend of Essex and Beverly Hills, further emphasizing the film's lack of depth in character development.
• Action Style: Cade is shown dispatching various antagonists in a series of confrontations that lack originality and memorability.

Film Production

and Writing

• Director: The film directed by David Ayer, who has previously collaborated with Statham on "The Beekeeper."
• Co-Writers: The screenplay is co-written by Ayer and Sylvester Stallone, based on the novel "Levon's Trade" by Chuck Dixon.
• Quality of Writing: Despite the notable talent involved, the script is criticized for its careless execution and poor dialogue, which detracts from the film's potential impact.

Themes and Execution

Plot Critique

• Human-Trafficking Narrative: The film's central plot revolves around human trafficking, which is treated with a lack of sensitivity and depth.
• Dialogue Quality: The dialogue is described as atrocious, with examples such as a character stating, “Violence follows you like a cloud,” which raises questions about the effectiveness of the metaphor.
• Suspense Engagement: The film is for being devoid of suspense, wit, or engaging storytelling.

Action Sequences

• Physicality of Statham: At 57, Statham maintains a strong physical presence, but the action sequences are described as flat and uninspired.
• Character Skills: Cade's background as an ex-Royal Marine fails to translate into compelling action, with his most notable move being an absurd intimidation tactic involving maple syrup- Immunity to Danger: The character appears invulnerable, lacking any real of peril or tension throughout the film.

Editing and Structure

Issues

• Frantic Cutting: The editing is described as shock inept, with rapid cuts that the fight choreography and disrupt the flow of scenes.
• Plot Inconsistencies: Certain plot threads, such as Cade's custody battle for his child, are introduced but never revisited, indicating a lack of coherent storytelling.

Character Development and Engagement

Lack of Relatable Characters

• Character Depth: The film fails to provide characters that viewers can connect with or care about, further diminishing its emotional impact.
• Absence of Humor and Fun: The film lacks the clever one-liners and entertainingter that have characterized Statham's previous works. An example of this is Cade’s underwhelming response to a threat, which lacks the charm and wit expected from a Statham film.

Conclusion

"A Working Man" is ultimately portrayed as a disappointing entry in Statham's filmography. It is described as a parody of the action genre, the elements that typically provide enjoyment and. The film's combination of a weak plot, poor dialogue, uninspired action, and insufficient character development culminates in a viewing experience that fails to resonate with audiences. The review concludes with a sense of, questioning the purpose of the film and the enjoyment it is supposed to deliver.