REVIEW: ‘The Beekeeper’ is a B-movie (in more ways than one) that delivers

The entire script of “Bee Movie,” but it’s just a review of the 2024 action film “The Beekeeper.”

Jason Statham stars as Adam Clay in this new film from director David Ayer. A simple man leading a quiet life, Clay keeps bees and lives on a farm owned by retired schoolteacher and charity organizer Eloise. Things get kicked off in the film when Eloise’s computer is hacked and she’s lured into a scam.

She not only loses her life savings, but the $2 million her charity managed. The situation causes her to take her own life and in the aftermath, Clay, who turns out to be a retired agent of an elite organization, sets out for revenge. During his quest, he learns the scamming system is run by powerful people with government ties.

After a less than stellar 2023 with flicks like “Meg 2” and “Expend4bles,” Jason Statham” is back in the good movie column to start 2024 with a wild action movie where he kicks ass and takes plenty of names. “The Beekeeper” is basically a version of “John Wick” that’s less refined, but still a lot of fun.

It’s 105 minutes of Statham’s character going on an absolute rampage against some really unlikable antagonists, and it’s really satisfying to watch. It’s safe to say we all hate scams, and watching the central character here plow through douchebags stealing hard earned money from people is a blast.

Now, there’s no doubt that one has to suspend their disbelief quite a bit while watching this. For nearly 90 percent of this movie, Clay is miraculously never hit by a ton of bullets being shot at and around him, and he’s able to do things so quickly that time would basically have to stop. Yet so much of it is forgivable because this movie embraces its over-the-top nature.

Director David Ayer, who has a spotty track record overall, certainly gets things right this time around with some brutal R-rated action scenes. This is a movie where a lot of blood gets spilled when Clay is dealing with the bad guys, and it’s rather entertaining.

This is especially true during the final climactic battle where Clay goes up against a tough-as-nails mercenary. Scenes like that, and even Clay using a jar of honey in a fight, are effective at making this action flick work.

The only complaint is Clay never used bees. This is a movie where a viewer basically begs for Clay to unleash a hive of bees on his enemies, but it unfortunately doesn’t happen..

As for Statham, he is right at home in the role. His grizzled voice, experience with filming fight choreography and ability to portray a ruthless man with a plan makes him right for the role.

What really helps the movie more than Statham’s casting, though, is the addition of Jeremy Irons. In the film, Irons plays an advisor to the main villain, and his superb screen presence and sophisticated delivery adds a level of gravity to every moment he’s featured. He adds a lot to the movie’s watchability. Also solid on screen is Emmy Raver-Lampman as an FBI agent and daughter of Eloise.

Ultimately, “The Beekeeper” is a fun ride of a film. It’s definitely a ridiculous B-movie, and the ending admittedly could have been stronger, but the action, cast and tone all gel together nicely for an enjoyable experience. 3.5 out of 5.