The Stream: One character’s actions throughout make no sense and it’s a ridiculous story.

The Big Screen: Jason Statham kicking butt and not taking names.

The Final Bill: A fun and action-packed addition to the revenge thriller genre.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: David Ayer
Writers: Kurt Wimmer
Stars: Jason Statham, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Bobby Naderi, Josh Hutcherson,
Jeremy Irons, Phylicia Rashad, Jemma Redgrave, Minnie Driver
Genre: Action, Thriller
Rating: R for strong violence throughout, pervasive language, some sexual references and drug use
Runtime: 1 hour 41 minutes
Production Companies: Cedar Park Entertainment, Miramax, Punch Palace Productions
Platform: In theaters January 12, 2024
Notable Trailers: Arthur the King, Abigail, American Fiction, Challengers

Hey, Streamers! New releases in January can be a mixed bag. This weekend alone has a movie musical based a Broadway show based on a 2004 movie, a social satire set in Biblical times, and this action-packed, revenge thriller, which is what I’m reviewing here. The Beekeeper promises bees and action. What more could you ask for? Here’s the buzz.

In The Beekeeper, Jason Statham plays Adam Clay, a lonely beekeeper, who lives a quiet life while being a tenant to a retired schoolteacher, Eloise Parker (Phylicia Rashad). Clay is consumed with beekeeping and provides help to Eloise with things around her property. When Eloise falls prey to a phishing scam leading to all of her accounts being wiped out, Clay goes on a rampage to find the scammers and eradicate their organization. Clay, of course, has a special set of skills from his former life as part of a secret organization, The Beekeepers. He is tracked by Eloise’s daughter, Verona Parker (Emmy Raver-Lampman), who is an FBI agent. High octane, honey-covered, and bullet-riddled hijinks ensue.

Sometimes you just want to go to the movies to escape. The Beekeeper is great escapist fare. It is a fun, fast-paced and ridiculous movie. The most serious part of the movie comes at the beginning when you’re reminded of how dangerous phishing scams are. (Remember to call your parents or grandparents and warn them about these scammers.) Once Statham is unleashed to exact revenge on these criminals, it becomes relentless, brutal fun. There’s humor. There are big stunts and action set pieces that are very memorable. My biggest criticism is that the Verona Parker character’s actions make no sense. If her mother was scammed and she knows Clay is trying to avenge her mother, why is she doggedly chasing him like this? He shouldn’t be killing people willy-nilly, but he’s doing it for your mother, girl! Aside from that, The Beekeeper is another addition to this action, assassin revenge genre, so you know where it’s going; but it’s fun getting there.

Ultimately, The Beekeeper is an entertaining, action-packed flick. Although there are some moments and characters that don’t make any sense, the overall effect of the movie is fun and endlessly entertaining. You’ll definitely sit up and take notice and revel in the memorable action sequences. Grab a big box of popcorn and buzz to the theater.