Remember those thrilling action flicks of the 80s and 90s where a seemingly ordinary hero unleashed fury against impossible odds? The Beekeeper: Statham Stings, But Script Drones On, aims to capture that nostalgic spirit, starring Jason Statham as Adam, a peaceful beekeeper with a shrouded past. When a tech scam devastates his friend, Adam unleashes his fists (and surprisingly lethal beekeeping skills) in a brutal quest for vengeance.
But before you grab your popcorn and settle in for a classic action ride, hold your horses (or, well, bees). While Statham delivers the expected punches and kicks with undeniable charisma, “The Beekeeper” ultimately struggles with a forgettable script and underdeveloped characters.
Statham Saves the Day (Again):
Let’s be honest, we watch Statham movies for the action, and “The Beekeeper” doesn’t disappoint. He cracks skulls, dodges bullets, and even deploys bees as (slightly outlandish) weapons with his signature charm. The fight choreography is solid, the car chases are adrenaline-pumping, and Statham remains a force to be reckoned with. But here’s the rub: it’s all been done before, often better.
Beyond the Buzz:
The film’s biggest buzzkill is its lackluster script. The Beekeeper: Statham Stings, But Script Drones On, the revenge plot feels generic, the characters are wafer-thin, and the dialogue is forgettable. Statham’s Adam, despite his beekeeping expertise, is a one-dimensional action hero with little depth or emotional resonance. The supporting cast fares no better, leaving us with hollow archetypes instead of compelling characters.
Nostalgia’s Sting:
While the film attempts to tap into 80s action nostalgia with training montages and familiar tropes, it lacks the heart and humor that made those films classics. The soundtrack misses the mark, failing to capture the era’s synth-heavy magic. Ultimately, “The Beekeeper” feels more like a generic action flick with a bee-themed gimmick than a true love letter to the past.
Box Office Buzz:
Despite its critical shortcomings, “The Beekeeper” has managed to sting the box office with a respectable $122 million worldwide gross (as of February 7, 2024). This suggests there’s an audience for Statham’s brand of action, but it doesn’t necessarily translate to artistic merit.
The Beekeeper: Statham Stings, But Script Drones On.
Sequel Worthy?
The film leaves the door open for a sequel, but based on the first outing, it’s hard to get excited. The underdeveloped characters and predictable plot offer little to build upon. While Statham’s star power might attract viewers, a sequel would need a significant script overhaul to avoid feeling like a rehashed buzzkill.
Movie Trivia:
- Fun Fact: Adam Clay’s birthdate in the film (7/26/1967) is actually Jason Statham’s real birthday!
- Hidden Detail: Real beekeepers built the beehives used in the film, and they contained live bees (though none were harmed during filming).
- Did You Know: The film’s original title was simply “Beekeeper,” but it was changed to avoid confusion with a 1986 Italian film of the same name.
Did you know?
- Henry Fonda, known for his Western roles, was actually an avid beekeeper in real life.
- Bees are responsible for pollinating one-third of the world’s food supply, making them vital to our ecosystem.
- Despite their stingers, bees are generally gentle creatures and rarely attack unless they feel threatened.
The Beekeeper: Statham Stings, But Script Drones On
Flikbak Rating: ⭐️⭐️ VHS tapes.
Action fans might find a bee-lieveable distraction, but nostalgia seekers and those craving character development will be left wanting. “The Beekeeper” stings with action, but the lack of depth leaves a bitter aftertaste. And if you’re hoping for any actual beekeeping expertise, well, let’s just say the bees deserve their own review.
Further Exploration:
If you’re curious about beekeeping, here are some resources to get you started:
Beekeeping Items:
- Beekeeping Starter Kit:
(for those inspired by the film to try beekeeping themselves) - Honey Extractor: (a tool Adam might use in the film)
- Beekeeping Gloves (essential protective gear for any beekeeper)
Action Movie References:
- Die Hard Collection Blu-ray:
(mentioned in the review for its car chase scene) - Rocky Blu-ray Collection: (referenced for its training montage)
- The Transporter Collection: (a nod to Statham’s previous action roles)
Bibliographic References:
- Box Office Mojo – The Beekeeper:
https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl2756542465/ - IMDb – The Beekeeper Trivia:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15314262/trivia/ - National Geographic – The Importance of Bees: National Geographic