Plot: What’s it about?
It’s a new year, a new day and that can only mean one thing: There’s a new Jason Statham movie out. Let’s face it, the guy has his fans even if that rarely means his performance or the film itself will stray too far from what’s expected. He seems to be going the Liam Neeson route and giving his target audience just what they have come to expect. I can safely say that The Beekeeper should please his intended audience even if it may evaporate from memory as soon as it’s over. Let’s read on.
We see early in the film that there is a data company that hacks into people’s personal computers to tell them that their information has been compromised. They promise that they are the antidote if the person calling in does exactly as they say. As it turns out, this is a company with several offices that steals from the less fortunate people of this world. Jason Statham AKA The “Beekeeper” is also known as Mr. Clay. He works for the organization known as beekeepers who “protect their hive” at virtually any cost. His friend and neighbor who lets him use her home area to tend to his bees falls victim to a phishing scam. They steal her money, and she then takes her own life. Her daughter, Verona Parker (Emmy Raver-Lampman) is also an FBI agent, and she discovers Mr. Clay at her mom’s house after she has taken her life. She is skeptical of him before she learns the truth. At first it seems that the beekeeper is staying out of the situation, but as he learns more, he decides to take matters into his own hands and seeks revenge. He burns one of the offices to the ground, and then we see that Derek Danforth (Josh Hutcherson) is the CEO of the company and sets his goons out to stop the beekeeper. His stepdad is played by Jeremy Irons, who initially wants nothing to do with the situation, but ultimately agrees to help. He urges Derek to seek his mother’s help as she is the only one who can offer full protection. We learn later in the film exactly why that is. Fingers are severed, hands are smashed and plenty of things go boom. If you’re in the mood for a brisk, R-Rated action flick then you could certainly do much worse. It isn’t as good as many of the ones I enjoyed from the classic action stars of yesteryear, but it more than fills the void. There is plenty of carnage here, especially in the last half. It isn’t quite as gruesome as some of its peers, but it stands with the best of them.
It’s important here to suspend disbelief as our lead character is far too invincible much of the time. I can’t imagine one man being able to outsmart countless goons and FBI and CIA agents while barely sustaining a scratch. It can prove frustrating at times, but if you check your brain at the door then you should appreciate it more. There’s even a last act twist that may hit a bit close to home, but somehow is convincing enough to not lessen enjoyment.
Video: How does it look?
By now we know what to expect with a Jason Statham movie – a perpetual 5 o’clock shadow and…that’s about it. Ok, there’s more. Being a new-to-the-format disc we can expect the usual: detail is razor sharp and every scene (when paused) looks like a still picture. Truly this is what they had in mind when you view a movie in HD. There are plenty of tricks used by the filmmakers to give the movie a very edgy look, but that aside – it’s still a stunning picture that’s sure to wow fans.
Audio: How does it sound?
This is a film that’s made for a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. The thumping, pumping and beating sets the tone and mood of the film. LFE play a big role here, the surrounds are constantly active as are the the atmospheric effects. Dialogue is on the level as well. I found that the surrounds kicked in for some added ambiance and really didn’t stop until the final credits rolled. It’s mesmerizing. Viewers will love it.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc is featureless. Not even a trailer.
The Bottom Line
The Beekeeper is an efficient little action flick that doesn’t ask too much of its audience. It moves along quickly and features enough of what we should expect from this sort of film to entertain. It may stretch credulity too often, but if you check your brain at the door, you just may enjoy it. It might not resonate, but while you’re watching it, it proves to be a good little diversion. Check it out.
