blrnani

Despite some strong cast members, this was not a great film by any means, but it's worth a watch.

I say that particularly for the fact that it throws out a warning that is all too rare in the cinema, of the terrible consequences of allowing agencies free rein and then seeing political expediency take precedence over morality and trust.

In this respect, it was heartbreaking seeing characters responding to the call to duty and patriotism and then being expected to follow orders that go against everything that common decency and the country's values stand for. It creates personal dilemmas and illustrates the systemic breakdown that occurs when people feel they can no longer trust their leaders (an increasingly widespread feeling in the wake of the Covid pandemic.

The theme was much better portrayed in "The Wild Geese" and that film had closure. In contrast, along what seems to be traditional lines nowadays, this one was set up for a sequel. And while I doubt whether audiences - and much less government institutions - will be clamouring for one, I would be curious to know just where they would take such a venture, as it would inevitably have to penetrate higher levels of the system. Personally, I have come to sympathise with the "Beekeeper" approach to such matters ;o)

While the film delivers what you'd expect, and more, from a Jason Statham action movie, what I really liked about this film is the timely warnings not only about internet scammers - who are rightly cast as the No.1 villains - but also the moral hazards of a political system that is dependent on money (so the winners are already bought and paid for before they even take office) and the nepotism of a new aristocracy - the wealthy elite families that dominate power in the USA.

In that context, a major part of the subplot is the divided loyalties of anybody serving the system when they discover the system is corrupt. That is particularly pertinent as we find ourselves being called to defend the country by people who do not represent the best long-term interests of the people. Our governance, in business and politics, has been letting us down for several decades now and people are being forced to look into their hearts and examine their integrity before making up their minds about a whole range of issues.

I suspect a good number would like beekeepers to watch over us, but that would be an abdication of our individual responsibility.

As a final note, it is a pity Verona Parker was so potty mouthed, as it detracted from her critical role in the film. Statham is a perfect example of how people shouldn't use foul language to appear tough, as they end up appearing immature and ridiculous. If you're really tough, you don't need any of that :o)