Based on the book “Levon’s Trade” by Chuck Dixon, director David Ayer (End of Watch, Suicide Squad) co -wrote the script with Sylvester Stallone (Homefront, The Expendables) for the feature film A Working Man starring Jason Statham (The Beekeeper). All three are among the list of producers for the film. I am not familiar with the book series written by author Chuck Dixon, so I cannot state how close the script is to the book, but I found it entertaining. The film’s trailer shows the audience some scenes of action and violence in the film that has an R rating.
For fans of Jason Statham, there is no need to explain how much deeper violence is in this story than it is in many of the previous films. This one does not hold back, in fact the script has the protagonist going to find a college student who has been abducted, and it takes him to various levels of the criminal underworld. For fans of Ayer’s and Stallone’s work, know that there are some very serious themes in this film, but on occasion, you can’t help but laugh out loud at some of the ridiculous characters – their behavior, dialogue (and clothing choice).
I had the opportunity to interview David Ayer for his 2005 film Harsh Times. At the time he shared he lived in the LA area and had experiences there that served as inspiration for his films. Information on IMDb about him expands on this and other information about serving in the military. Another film he wrote is End of Watch (2012) that stars Michael Pena. This film has a great cast of stars including David Harbour (Gran Turismo) and no doubt his experiences and knowledge were incorporated into this story. The idea of family shines through and authentic.
I am impressed with the performance by Arianna Rivas (The Harvest, “Prom Dates” on Hulu) as Jenny Garcia in the role of the student that is abducted. She shines in her role, not only as a young multi – talented college student, but also in the physicality of her role to survive. The Black Phone 2 is in post – production and she has a role in the film. I can’t wait to see it.
CAST: Jason Flemyng, Merab Ninidze, Maximilian Osinski, Cokey Falkow, Michael Peña and David Harbour. Noemi Gonzalez, Arianna Rivas, Emmett J. Scanlan, Eve Mauro
SYNOPSIS: Levon Cade left behind a decorated military career in the black ops to live a simple life working construction. But when his boss’s daughter, who is like family to him, is taken by human traffickers, his search to bring her home uncovers a world of corruption far greater than he ever could have imagined.
A Working Man opens nationwide on Friday, March 28.
Source: Amazon MGM Studios
###