Product Info

Studio

MGM Studios

Director

David Ayer

Genre

Action, Thriller

Rated

R

Theatrical Release Date (NA)

Jan 12, 2024

Film Length

1hr 45min

Purchase From

The Beekeeper is a nice paced action movie that incorporates just the right amount of satire to what seems to be the endless line of secret government agencies that protect our republic from being torn apart. This group is called “beekeepers” and are so feared they even make our legendary CIA boys both nervous and afraid.

Bee Inconspicuous

© 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The movie begins with our main character, Adam Clay, played by Jason Stathom (The Transporter, The Meg) removing a beehive from the barn of his friend and “the only person who cared” about him, Eloise, played by Phylicia Rashad. Of course, he is retired now and has become an actual beekeeper, hives and all. Since he has the appearance of a loner, Eloise invites Mr. Clay over for dinner as a thank you gesture. He agrees to come back later in the day. Eloise starts cooking and goes on her computer, only to fall for a phishing scam that ends up clearing out all of her bank accounts. She gets very distraught about it and commits suicide. Mr. Clay arrives for dinner and discovers Eloise dead and her daughter, FBI agent Veronica Parker, played by Emmy Raver-Lampman (Umbrella Academy), in the house with her gun drawn and very upset. Together, they discover her computer and what really happened. They both decide to find the scammers and eliminate them, though not as a team. Now the action begins.

Bee Vengeful

© 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The scammers turn out to be part of a multi-billion dollar corporation run by CEO Derek Danforth, played by Josh Hutcherson (The Hunger Games), who happens to be the son of former CIA director Wallace Westwyld, played by Jeremy Irons (Better Start Swimming), and current U.S. President Danforth, played by Minnie Driver (Cinderella, GoldenEye). Derek runs this national phishing operation secretly, grossing $200 million per year. Soon, Mr. Clay and the FBI are on his trail with a vengeance. Naturally, Derek hires mercenaries to find Mr. Clay and eliminate him. All the cat and mouse that ensues is quite entertaining, making sure the script is humorous and doesn’t take itself too seriously while injecting plenty of expected Stathom action.

Bee Attentive

© 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This MGM/Miramax film was directed by David Ayer (Fury, Suicide Squad) with screenwriter Kurt Wimmer (Ultraviolet, Salt), so lots of details are sprinkled throughout the film. Characters appear in a flash with no real backstory then disappear just as quickly. This keeps the movie at 1 hour 45 minutes. It’s okay but it leaves the audience to draw many conclusions, so pay attention! The soundtrack was not noticeable with so much action and loud sound effects taking up all the focus. So no distractions there, though the audio during the fight scenes is almost too tinny sounding. Also, expect a lot of “bee” puns in this film.

Bee End

The Beekeeper is a lighthearted, enjoyable action movie that leaves plenty of room for sequels and prequels. Seeing more Jason Statham beekeeping with a strong supporting cast is certainly something to look forward to. Bee-lieve it!

An early screening provided for this movie. The Beekeeper hits theaters on January 12, 2024. Tickets available through the official website.