Just because a movie lands in a streamer’s top 10 doesn’t mean it deserves your time, even if it’s got a big name like Jason Statham on the poster. Streaming services churn out tons of content every week, and with so many options competing for attention, it’s easy to get swept up in the hype of what’s trending rather than what’s actually worth watching. This week, “Homefront” has resurfaced in the Netflix top 10 despite its mixed critical reception and conventional story structure.
Welcome to Watch This, Not That, a column where we dig into the latest streaming top 10 picks, call out the one lackluster title you should skip, and highlight the better alternative you absolutely should watch instead.
“Homefront” sees Statham play a former DEA agent who moves with his young daughter to a quiet Louisiana town, only to clash with a local drug lord and his violent gang. Critics largely saw it as a generic tough‑guy revenge flick that doesn’t offer much beyond its basic premise, with a sub‑50 % Tomatometer score and middling reviews emphasizing its uninspired action and predictable beats.
But let me save you the disappointment. I watch these top charts so you don’t have to by spotting the lackluster picks, calling them out, and pointing you toward far more satisfying alternatives. In this case, there’s a stronger Statham action‑thriller that’s actually worth your watchlist: “The Beekeeper.” Streaming on Prime Video, this 2024 revenge romp offers plenty of high‑octane action with a quirky premise and has proven to be one of his more entertaining recent hits. Here’s why you should stream it instead.
‘The Beekeeper’ is ridiculously good fun
An instant movie recommendation that came to mind was “The Beekeeper.” This action-thriller is a surprisingly fun and inventive entry in Jason Statham’s filmography, giving fans everything they want from his adrenaline-fueled roles but with sharper plotting and more memorable set pieces. Right from the start, it’s clear that everyone involved (from director David Ayer to Statham himself) knew exactly what kind of movie they were making, and they leaned into it wholeheartedly.
The result is a mindless, unrestrained action flick that’s gloriously self-aware. With bee puns buzzing at every turn, and Statham delivering lines like “I’m here to protect the hive” with total seriousness, it’s impossible not to smile. “The Beekeeper” is pure fun from beginning to end, and the silliness is the golden nectar of the film.
“The Beekeeper” follows retired elite agent Adam Clay (Statham), now living a quiet life as a beekeeper, who goes on a brutal quest for vengeance after his landlady is devastated by a phishing scam that wipes out her savings. Pulled back into a shadowy world of covert operatives and corruption, Clay must dismantle a sprawling criminal network with his deadly skills. There’s even a sequel in development for a 2027 release, proving the first movie was strong enough to warrant it.
While “Homefront” may be trending on Netflix right now, its take on small-town revenge suffers from a predictable story, generic antagonists, and a lack of memorable thrills. “The Beekeeper,” on the other hand, makes its premise feel fresh, leaning into inventive action, solid pacing, and Statham’s undeniable charisma. It’s a movie that knows exactly what it is and leans into it, resulting in a far more satisfying watch for anyone craving adrenaline and clever stunts.
“The Beekeeper” is streaming on Prime Video, making it easy to swap out the Netflix pick for something genuinely entertaining. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, clever action movie where Statham is in top form, this is the one to stream instead this weekend.
Stream "The Beekeeper" on Prime Video now
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