Screen Scene with John Heal

A Working Man is yet another cinematic vehicle in which Jason Statham plays — unmistakably — Jason Statham. There’s no real attempt to subvert expectations or stretch his well-worn persona; instead, the film leans fully into his trademark stoicism, clenched jaw charisma and hyper-efficient brutality. For fans of his brand, this is precisely the appeal.

Narratively, the film is both absurd and aggressively formulaic. It recycles familiar tropes with no shame, presenting a story that feels algorithmically assembled rather than thoughtfully written. And yet, within this predictable structure, it offers a certain blunt entertainment value. While lacking depth or originality, it serves its purpose as disposable action fare—loud, fast, and fleeting.

The titular “working man” appears to spend mere moments engaging in any actual labour before the plot pivots — inevitably — toward a barrage of gratuitous fight scenes and pyrotechnics.

The result is a film that is both overstuffed and narratively hollow. It aspires to say something about duty, sacrifice, or masculinity, perhaps—but never lingers long enough on any theme to be taken seriously. It is, in essence, a film on autopilot: functional in its choreography, slick in its presentation, and entirely forgettable in its aftermath.

A Working Man is not without entertainment value, but it is cinematic fast food — instantly consumed, immediately forgotten. It does exactly what it sets out to do, but nothing more.

Cinematography: 3/5

Score: 2/5

Plot: 1/5

Dialogue: 1/5

Pacing: 3/5

Ending: 2/5

Overall: 2/5