When I saw the trailer for A Working Man, I immediately clocked that they added extra fluff to the story that was not really in Levon’s Trade, the book it’s based on. Some of it might show up in later entries – I’ve only read the first one – but the added drama here felt like padding. If you know otherwise, let me know, because I’m not convinced it was necessary.

As for Jason Statham? He’s solid. He pretty much always is. But at this point, this type of role is essentially his comfort zone: a retired tough guy with a low-key life, suddenly having to snap necks and save people. Don’t get me wrong, he does it well, he’s reliable like that, but part of me kinda wishes they’d cast someone fresh. Give us a surprise. Give us something a little different.

That said, A Working Man doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. It’s a straight-up action thriller with a gruff lead, gritty fight scenes, and a few emotional beats tossed in for good measure. It’s not reinventing the genre, but it doesn’t have to; it’s here to entertain, and it gets the job done.

Shoutout to Jenni, though. Legit one of the best “victim” characters I’ve seen in a while. No helpless screaming, no waiting to be rescued, she fights. And it actually raises the tension because you’re rooting for her hard. Just the fact that she’s trying to escape on her own is enough for me.

David Ayer directs with his usual flair for grounded violence and moody visuals, and the supporting cast is solid across the board. Michael Peña brings charm and heart to his small role, and David Harbour is a change from the book, but it’s nice to see him. But still, there’s a sense that the film is sticking too close to the action-thriller playbook.

A Working Man won’t blow your mind, but it’s a decent weekend watch if you’re in the mood for familiar thrills, some hand-to-hand combat, and Statham doing what Statham does best.

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