
Hit me baby one more time
IN A Working Man, audiences are treated to what is essentially a Jason Statham genre piece with the soul of a Home Depot commercial and the moral core of a Liam Neeson phone call. Directed by David Ayer (yes, that Suicide Squad guy) and co-written by none other than Sylvester Stallone, the film attempts to channel gritty man-on-a-mission energy but ends up feeling like a reheated casserole of every action thriller from the past decade, with a touch more plaster dust.
Statham stars as Levon, a former military badass who has traded black ops for blueprints. Naturally, the peace does not last long. What follows is a one-man demolition derby of fists, gunfire and furrowed brows. And while it never truly rises above its predictable script or boilerplate direction, it also never fully crashes and burns, either. It just idles there, flexing its muscles.
When in doubt, grunt it out
A Working Man does not pretend to be high cinema. It knows its audience. It was practically engineered in a lab for anyone who thought The Mechanic needed more drywall or Safe could use a construction site subplot. It is not here to change the game, it is here to play the same game in steel-toe boots.
Statham delivers, as always, a rock-solid performance of deadpan intensity. Whether he is drilling nails or drilling bad guys with equal efficiency, his charisma somehow pulls the film through the more uninspired stretches. He grunts, he growls and he walks away from explosions without looking back. Mission accomplished.
Unfortunately, everything around him seems to be a few screws loose. The villains are as one-dimensional as an Ikea instruction manual, the supporting cast ranges from 'adequate' to 'where have I seen them before?' and the script, while occasionally sharp, often stumbles on action clichés like a drunk uncle at a barbecue. Lines land with the grace of a thrown cinder block.
Gunfights, gut renovations
Where A Working Man shines is in its action sequences, which, to be fair, are the main reason anyone bought a ticket. The fight choreography is brutal, the gunplay loud and fast and the body count impressively stacked. Ayer knows how to direct carnage, even if the camera occasionally forgets that editing is a thing.
There is also a weird, mildly amusing contrast in tone throughout the movie. One moment it is all blood, bullets and snarling mafiosos, the next it is back to scenes of Statham standing around in a hard hat, casually sipping from a thermos. There is even a warm dinner scene that feels pulled straight from a Hallmark film, sandwiched awkwardly between warehouse massacres.
It is that tonal inconsistency that keeps A Working Man from hitting the highs of Statham's better flicks. It is not The Transporter or Wrath of Man. Heck, it does not even match Homefront, which, coincidentally, was also written by Stallone. Instead, this one fits neatly into the 'it's fine' tier of his filmography.
Stallone's pen, Ayer's lens, Statham's abs
With Stallone co-writing and producing, there is a very specific kind of machismo dripping from every scene. Every line sounds like it was written for the Marlboro man. Every stare-off threatens to trigger a testosterone explosion. But for all its bluster, the movie never feels particularly original. Every twist feels telegraphed, every emotional beat hits like a sledgehammer to a soufflé.
Ayer's direction does not help either. While the film maintains a gritty, street-level aesthetic, it lacks the polish or pacing of his earlier work, such as End of Watch or Fury. Here, the camera often lingers too long or cuts too quickly, making some sequences more dizzying than dynamic. The score is thumping and moody, but ultimately forgettable.
And yet, something is charming about how earnestly the film tries to deliver a straightforward, meat-and-potatoes action tale. No frills, no flair, just Statham laying waste to every baddie within reach. It may not be smart, but it is committed.
Watch it for Statham
Ultimately, A Working Man is just aggressively average. It does everything a Statham movie is expected to do, just with less style, less bite and less wit than his greatest hits. There is no reinventing the wheel here, just rotating the tires on a vehicle that has been driving down this road for far too long.
Still, for fans of no-nonsense, bicep-flexing, accent-gravelling action flicks, there is enough here to justify a late-night viewing with snacks and lowered expectations. Just remember: it is a Statham movie. That is the best reason to watch it. Do not take it too seriously.
Because if you do, you might just start wondering why half the cast looks like they were recruited from a warehouse clearance sale of Eastern European henchmen and why the plot twists are visible from orbit.
A Working Man is neither the best nor the worst Statham outing, it is just a workmanlike display of fists, firepower and familiar tropes. Sit back, turn off the brain and enjoy watching Statham do what he does best: look pissed off and hit things really, really hard.
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Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Malay Mail
Jared Leto accused of sexual misconduct by nine women over 20 years
LOS ANGELES, June 8 — Actor and musician Jared Leto is facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour from nine women, according to a report published by online publication Air Mail. The claims, said to span almost 20 years, include accounts from women who allege the incidents took place when they were teenagers. The Air Mail investigation includes on-the-record and anonymous sources, and suggests that such allegations have long circulated informally within the entertainment industry. 'It's been an open secret for a long time,' a source reportedly said. Leto, known for his roles in Dallas Buyers Club and Suicide Squad, is also the frontman of the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2014 for his portrayal of Rayon, a transgender woman with HIV, in Dallas Buyers Club. He has remained active in both music and film, with recent appearances in Morbius and plans for upcoming projects. In a statement to the outlet, a representative for Leto denied any wrongdoing, saying his communications with those involved were not sexual or inappropriate. The representative also disputed one claim that a woman had later applied to work for Leto; she denied doing so. Responding to wider concerns raised in the article, Leto's publicist said the actor 'has not had a drink or used drugs in over 35 years'. No criminal charges have been filed in relation to the allegations. Leto has not made a personal statement on the matter.
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Rakyat Post
29-05-2025
- Rakyat Post
[Watch] [Photos] Your Childhood Toys Just Got A Grown-Up Makeover
Subscribe to our FREE Walking into The Exchange TRX right now feels like stepping into a LEGO wonderland with a grown-up twist. The retail destination has partnered with both LEGO and IKEA to showcase how these beloved bricks can seamlessly integrate into modern home settings. As visitors step into this reimagined LEGO world, they're greeted by an elegant 'ADULTS WELCOME' sign, setting the tone for a sophisticated experience that proves LEGO isn't just for kids anymore. The absolute showstopper? An enchanting ceiling installation featuring cascading LEGO hearts and bricks in shades of pink and red, creating a romantic chandelier effect that stops visitors in their tracks. Below this stunning display, a bold red LEGO 'LOVE' sculpture sits surrounded by meticulously crafted LEGO roses in a clear vase, perfectly embodying how LEGO can transition from playroom to sophisticated home décor. Adding to the magical atmosphere, Rome's Trevi Fountain, Paris's Eiffel Tower and Agra's Taj Mahal LEGO build stand proudly nearby, completing this sophisticated showcase of LEGO's versatility in home styling. But this is just the beginning – venture further inside and you'll discover a world where imagination knows no bounds, with countless more surprises and interactive experiences waiting to be explored. LEGO Home: Where Art Meets Play in Sophisticated Display A journey through this creative wonderland begins in the living room, where reimagined chess tables showcase LEGO's playful spirit, with custom pieces breathing fresh life into the timeless game. Meanwhile, a striking red London phone booth stands as a delightful architectural surprise. The space's centrepiece features a stunning LEGO artwork, where vibrant pink cherry blossoms cascade across a geometric white backdrop. Their delicate arrangement in a graceful blue vase creates a mesmerising display of colour and technique. Comfortable seating adorned with patterned cushions provides the perfect vantage point for admiring the intricate details, as orange accents and subtle purple touches add depth against the textured background. In the Preschool Room, young minds flourish as little engineers craft their first railway masterpieces with LEGO DUPLO trains, learning spatial concepts through colourful track configurations. Throughout the space, every thoughtfully curated corner demonstrates how LEGO transcends its traditional role, evolving from simple building blocks into sophisticated expressions of creativity that seamlessly blend modern aesthetics with playful elements. Where Pop Culture Meets Fine Art Venturing deeper into The Exchange TRX's LEGO wonderland reveals a sophisticated playroom where dramatic black walls serve as the perfect backdrop for illuminated display cases housing extraordinary LEGO masterpieces, from Star Wars spaceships to a golden dinosaur skeleton. The lighting design is striking, with sleek ceiling beams and strategic spotlighting that brings each display piece to life, while three large monitor screens and backlit Star Wars artworks add a dynamic, cinematic quality to the space. The technical precision is showcased through an impressive gathering of LEGO minifigures and detailed spacecraft builds, demonstrating LEGO's versatility as an artistic medium. The room's design cleverly incorporates comfortable orange loungers, providing perfect vantage points to appreciate the detailed LEGO artistry. It's a space that transforms the concept of a playroom into a sophisticated gallery of imagination. Play Well, Live Well: LEGO's Cultural Renaissance In the dedicated girls' room, an enchanting display showcases a collection of pastel-colored LEGO townhouses arranged on pristine white shelving against a warm coral-pink wall, creating a perfectly feminine aesthetic. A detailed LEGO café scene within this space steals the spotlight with its delicate green awnings, butterfly accents, and miniature figures, demonstrating how these beloved bricks can create sophisticated, feminine designs. Against vibrant blue walls, the 2K DRIVE Free Play zone features modern gaming stations where players can immerse themselves in racing adventures. Throughout the broader venue, impressive displays feature Formula 1 LEGO cars, illuminated Marvel creations, and whimsical robot artwork that captures visitors' imagination. Contemporary design elements, including wooden accents and strategic lighting, create an atmosphere that is both elevated and appealing to children and adults. From every angle, this creative wonderland showcases how LEGO has evolved beyond simple toys to become a sophisticated medium for imagination and expression. From Artisanal Builds to VR Gaming The Make & Take Activities offer visitors the opportunity to create their own LEGO Wildlife Panda & Flamingo builds, with specific session capacities. During weekdays (29-30 May, 3-6 June 2025), sessions run five times daily (12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm) with 6 participants per session. Weekend and public holiday sessions (31 May, 1, 2, 7, 8 June 2025) offer eight daily slots (11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 6pm, 7pm, 8pm) with increased capacity of 10 participants per session. TRX Members receive exclusive access to special Wildlife Flower & Fish building sessions at 1pm and 5pm daily, with 10 participants per session. Character appearances are precisely scheduled throughout the day. Bluey & Bingo Characters make appearances four times daily (11-11:30am, 1-1:30pm, 3-3:30pm, 5-5:30pm), while the LEGO Space Benny Mascot appears from 7-7:30pm on select dates (31 May, 1, 2, 7, and 8 June 2025). Exclusive Promotions and Rewards The exhibition offers multiple ways for visitors to take home exclusive merchandise. By sharing photos with hashtags #MYLEGOHOME and #LEGOMY, visitors can redeem a limited edition LEGO Sticker Pack. Photos taken in the Girl's Room earn participants a RM10 voucher and custom frame prints at the printing booth. LEGO enthusiasts can also collect an exclusive LEGO Home Décor stamp at the LEGO Selling Area with their LEGO passport. Weekend visitors (31 May, 1, 7, and 8 June 2025) have the chance to receive exclusive LEGO polybags by sharing their home decor inspirations. The grand prize contest invites creative submissions of home decor ideas using LEGO bricks, with five winners receiving the exclusive 21037 LEGO House (only available in Denmark) and a red LEGO ceramic mug. IKEA Partnership and Future Locations The journey doesn't end at TRX, which runs until 8 June – LEGO enthusiasts can continue their experience at IKEA locations across Malaysia, with special BYGGLEK storage solutions and limited-edition accessories available for purchase. The exhibition will travel to IKEA Damansara (10-22 June), IKEA Batu Kawan (30 June – 14 July), and IKEA Tebrau (21 July – 24 August), where fans can explore curated display-worthy LEGO sets styled into real-life room setups. All IKEA locations will be open from 10am to 10pm daily. 'At IKEA, our vision has always been to create a better everyday life for the many people,' says Malcolm Pruys, Retail Director, IKEA Malaysia. This partnership with the LEGO Group brings that vision to life in a truly joyful way. 'It's about making your passions part of your living space,' adds Ágnes Molnár, Marketing Director of Singapore, Malaysia and APAC Travel Retail, The LEGO Group. At The LEGO Group, we believe that creativity transcends all areas of our lives and is a powerful way to express ourselves. We're excited to showcase how LEGO sets offer limitless possibilities. They are more than just a tool for play, but also as design elements that bring beauty, meaning, and personality into our living spaces. Experience this unique fusion of play and design at the Central Exchange, Ground Floor of The Exchange TRX, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For more information and updates, visit the READ MORE : Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.


The Star
01-05-2025
- The Star
'Thunderbolts' review: Brings the thunder to the MCU once again
Cast: Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Most comics-derived superhero movies really wouldn't be much of anything without buried rage, and what happens when it won't stay buried. Their stories' relentless emphasis on childhood trauma and the crippling psychological load carried by broken souls (heroes and villains both) – that's the whole show. With its adorable little asterisk in the title, Thunderbolts* goes further than most Marvels in its focus on psychological torment, mental health and, more broadly, a shared search for self-worth among a half-dozen also-rans who learn what it takes to be an A-team. Their sense of shame isn't played for laughs, though there are some. Mostly it's sincere. And it's more effective that way. Look! Up in the sky! It's a Super... er... person! 'A' stands for Avengers, among other things, and with the legendary Avengers AWOL for now (hence the asterisk in the title), there's a vacuum in need of filling. Targeted for elimination, with Julia Louis-Dreyfus returning for duty as U.S. intelligence weasel Valentina, the combatants of the title have their work cut out for them. Who can they trust? If not Valentina, taking a more central role this time, then who? Joining forces are Yelena/Black Widow (top-billed Florence Pugh); her gone-to-seed father Alexei/Red Guardian (David Harbour); the tetchy John Walker/Captain America (Wyatt Russell); Antonia/Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko); the quicksilver invisible Ava/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen); and the Winter Soldier himself, Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), whose entry into the Thunderbolts* storyline is most welcome. I look good in this suit, but it was a pain to get my metal arm in it. Their mission: To neutralise as well as rehabilitate the all-too-human lab experiment known as Bob, aka The Sentry, aka The Void, played by Lewis Pullman. He's Valentina's little project, more dangerous than anyone knows. The misfits scenario guiding Thunderbolts* is nothing new. Suicide Squad did it, Guardians Of The Galaxy does it, and this motley crew keeps the tradition alive. It works, even when the material's routine, because Pugh's forceful yet subtle characterisation of a heavy-hearted killing machine with an awful childhood feels like something's at stake. Call us the Suicide Squad again. We dare you. She and the reliably witty Harbour work well together, and while there's a certain generic-ness at work in the character roster – these insecure egotists are meant to be placeholders, with something to prove to themselves and the world – the actors keep the movie reasonably engaging before the effects take over. Even those are better than usual, for the record. That sounds weird when you're dealing with another US$200 million production budget commodity. Shouldn't they all look good, preferably in wildly different ways? It's a matter of simplicity and selectivity, not assault tactics. The poor, tormented newbie Bob has a superhero guise (The Sentry, fearsomely powerful, essentially all Avengers packed into one fella). but SuperBob has a dark side. Wait, what do you mean this isn't the Seinfeld reunion show? When The Void takes over, it's insidious psychological warfare, with The Void's victims suddenly, quieting disappearing into a massive black handprint. His targets must relive the worst guilt and shame they have known, whoever they are, wherever that shadow of anguish and rage may lead them. Sounds heavy, and it is. But at its best, the visualization of this part of Thunderbolts* feels like something relatively new and vivid. And there you have it. The 36th MCU movie, if you're interested. It's the most pretty-good one in a while. – Michael Phillips/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service