Opened: January 12, 2024

Directed by: David Ayer

Starring: Jason Statham, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Bobby Naderi, Josh Hutcherson, Jeremy Irons, David Witts, Michael Epp, Taylor James, Phylicia Rashad, Jemma Redgrave, Minnie Driver, Don Gilet, Sophia Feliciano & Enzo Cilenti

A pretty standard action film with a less-than-polished plot, The Beekeeper is fun if you’re not looking for a challenging watch.

Adam Clay (Jason Statham) has a soft spot for Eloise Parker (Phylicia Rashad), whom he says is the first person who’s taken care of him. When a phishing scam leaves Eloise penniless, she commits suicide. While her daughter FBI agent Verona Parker (Emmy Raver-Lampman) tries to seek justice, Adam is ready to track down the scammers and burn them to the ground.

Statham uses action to his advantage with fantastic fight scenes that are over-the-top in the best way possible. There’s not much backstory on his character, which keeps him mysterious but maybe too much.

The story is a solid idea but focusing more on the action than the script makes it entertainingly empty.

Final say: Doesn’t quite sting. ★★★☆☆