Movie Review: A Working Man (2025)

Introduction

• A Working Man* (2025), directed by David Ayer, is an intense action thriller that brings Jason Statham back into familiar territory—gritty, hand-to-hand combat sequences and a no-nonsense protagonist with a military background. Co-written by Ayer and Sylvester Stallone, the film follows a classic rescue mission narrative, infused with brutal action and a tense underworld setting. While the film delivers the expected thrills, its complex plot and pacing issues slightly hinder its impact.

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Plot Summary

Jason Statham stars as Levon Cade, a former Royal Marine turned construction foreman in Chicago. Hoping for a quiet life, he finds himself pulled back into action when his employer’s teenage daughter, Jenny Garcia (Arianna Rivas), is kidnapped by a ruthless criminal network. What begins as a straightforward mission to rescue her quickly escalates into a high-stakes confrontation with Russian mobsters, biker gangs, and corrupt officials. Levon must rely on his military training, resourcefulness, and relentless determination to bring her home.

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Casting and Performances

• Jason Statham as Levon Cade – Statham delivers a solid performance, embodying the kind of relentless, brooding action hero that fans have come to expect. His portrayal is a mix of quiet intensity and explosive action, with his signature bone-crunching fight sequences. While his character doesn’t break new ground, Statham’s presence ensures the film stays engaging.
• Michael Peña as Joe Garcia – Peña plays Levon’s employer and the father of the kidnapped girl. Though his role is relatively small, he adds emotional depth to the story, portraying a desperate father willing to do anything to save his child.
• Arianna Rivas as Jenny Garcia – The young actress gives a strong performance as the kidnapped daughter, balancing vulnerability with resilience. Her scenes add urgency to Levon’s mission.
• David Harbour as a former military associate – Harbour brings his usual charismatic presence, serving as a key supporting character who provides Levon with intel and backup when needed.
• Jason Flemyng as Wolo Kolisnyk – The Russian mob boss and primary antagonist, Flemyng brings menace and authority to the role. His scenes with Statham are particularly gripping.
• Maximilian Osinski as Dimi Kolisnyk – The reckless and arrogant son of the main villain, Dimi’s impulsive actions set off the chain of events in the film. Osinski effectively portrays a character who underestimates Levon’s abilities.

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Action and Direction

David Ayer, known for his gritty and realistic action sequences (End of Watch, Fury), brings his signature style to A Working Man. The fight choreography is brutal and efficient, with Statham showcasing his martial arts skills in tightly shot combat scenes. The film’s action set pieces, including a warehouse showdown and a high-speed chase, keep the adrenaline pumping. However, some sequences feel overly stretched, and the film occasionally struggles with pacing due to unnecessary subplots involving organized crime.

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Strengths

✔ Classic Statham Action – Fans of Jason Statham will find plenty to enjoy, as the film delivers the intense, physical fight scenes he’s known for.

✔ Strong Supporting Cast – With actors like David Harbour and Michael Peña, the film benefits from solid performances that elevate the storyline.

✔ High-Stakes Rescue Mission – The film taps into the tried-and-tested “lone warrior against the underworld” formula, which, despite its familiarity, remains entertaining.

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Weaknesses

❌ Overcomplicated Plot – The film attempts to weave multiple subplots involving the Russian mafia, biker gangs, and corrupt law enforcement, which can feel excessive and dilute the main storyline.

❌ Inconsistent Pacing – While the action is top-notch, the film occasionally slows down due to unnecessary exposition and dialogue-heavy scenes.

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Final Verdict

A Working Man delivers exactly what it promises—gritty, high-octane action led by Jason Statham in his element. While it doesn’t break new ground in the action genre, it provides an engaging experience for fans of Statham’s previous films. Despite its pacing issues and slightly convoluted plot, the film remains an enjoyable ride, packed with intense fight sequences and a solid supporting cast.

⭐ Rating: 3.5/5 – A solid action film for Statham fans, though not his best work.