A Working Man (2025)
A Working Man (2025)
A Working Man (2025), directed by David Ayer and starring Jason Statham, is a gritty action thriller that delivers exactly what fans expect: high-octane fights, a stoic hero, and a straightforward revenge plot. Statham plays Levon Cade, a former black ops soldier turned construction worker, who is thrust back into his violent past when his boss’s daughter is kidnapped by human traffickers. What follows is a relentless pursuit through Chicago’s criminal underbelly, uncovering corruption and delivering justice with fists and firepower.
The film shines in its action sequences, blending brutal hand-to-hand combat with creative use of construction tools—think John Wick with a hard hat. Statham is in peak form, exuding his trademark charisma and physicality, even if his character lacks depth. Supporting performances from Michael Peña and David Harbour add some flavor, though the script, co-written by Ayer and Sylvester Stallone, leans heavily on clichés. The dialogue is often stiff, and the plot feels predictable, recycling tropes from countless vigilante tales.
Visually, Ayer’s direction is a mixed bag. The overblown lighting and excessive Chicago skyline shots feel forced, but the gritty atmosphere suits the story. At nearly two hours, the pacing drags in parts, with subplots hinting at a sequel that dilute the tension. Still, the final act’s chaotic shootout—complete with an absurdly large moon—brings a satisfying, if cartoonish, climax.
A Working Man isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s a solid Statham vehicle for action junkies. It lacks the wit or innovation of his best work like The Beekeeper, yet it delivers enough thrills to keep you entertained. For fans of blue-collar badassery, it’s a decent Friday night watch.
