‘The Beekeeper’ is the action-packed thriller we all needed

By Anna Harman

I wasn’t sure what to expect from David Ayer’s latest film, “The Beekeper.” All I knew was that it was an action movie about a beekeeper, which sounded odd without any context about the film. What I found out, however, was that it was surprisingly a thrilling, action packed film that was well worth the watch. 

“The Beekeper” starts very slowly, introducing Adam Clay (Jason Statham), an ex-commando who has retired and taken on the hobby of beekeeping. He’s quiet, reserved and focused on his honey-making. His quiet life soon changes when a corrupted company takes advantage of the loving old woman, Eloise (Phylicia Rashad), whose property he’s been living on and whom he’s grown fond of. 

Viewers are brought to the edge of their seats as Adam Clay goes on a one man mission to kill the people who hurt Eloise. He is untouchable to all who try to stop him from completing his mission to protect his “hive.” Clay comes out every time unscathed, and it is thrilling to watch. 

I loved how the filmmakers portrayed Clay. He was living a quiet, peaceful life in retirement after previously being a man of violence. He had become friends with this old woman and said that she was the only person who had ever taken care of him in his life. When someone hurt the person he cares about, he was willing to go to battle – literally – to get justice for her. His character, while violent and ruthless, is admirable for how he defends this woman to the extent that he does. 

The fight scenes and special effects throughout the film are extremely crucial to the magic of “The Beekeeper”. It’s hard to believe that the fights, explosions and injuries weren’t real, as they were impressively detailed and realistic. This made all the difference in making viewers believe Adam Clay was really involved in the fights throughout the movie. The sound effects were also almost shockingly realistic and crisp in their realism. 

Despite many highs in “The Beekeper,”Jason Statham’s performance was truly the most impressive aspect in this film. I think he was the perfect character to play such a ruthlessly precise, complicated killer. He made the film feel genuine in a way I didn’t expect, and made me lean forward in my seat. Josh Hutcherson played Derek Danforth, the head of the company who took advantage of Eloise. I have never seen Hutcherson play a role like this, so I was very shocked and skeptical. I was pleasantly surprised at how well he executed his role as this evil, immature and careless villain . 

Overall, I think this film was one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. The special effects, fight scenes, acting and plot line really sold the film for me. If you are craving an action movie that is actually riveting and captivating, this is for you. 

I give “The Beekeeper” a full 10/10. 

The Beekeeper is now playing in theaters. 

Anna Harman is a senior Christian Education major and also a reporter for Cedars. She appreciates writing, children’s ministry, flowers, and going to concerts.

Images courtesy of MGM Studios