As anticipation builds for Jason Statham's 'The Beekeeper 2,' former Navy SEAL DJ Shipley has offered a critical assessment of the original film's action sequences. Shipley, in an interview with Insider, dissected the Close-Quarters Battle (CQB) scenes, particularly a hand-to-hand fight, and his verdict was far from enthusiastic.
Shipley's primary critique centered on the lack of realism in Adam Clay's solo CQB approach. He emphasized that CQB is inherently a team-based activity, highlighting the vulnerability of a lone operative. According to Shipley, the solo approach leaves one exposed to multiple angles of attack.
Further criticism was directed at Clay's lack of readiness. Shipley noted that a real-world combatant would maintain a higher guard and constantly scan their surroundings. He argued that Clay's posture and movements were not conducive to survival in a close-quarters fight.
Shipley also evaluated the use of "environmentals," or the surrounding objects, as weapons. While he commended Clay's awareness in this regard, he questioned the believability of Clay's subsequent actions against a knife-wielding opponent. Shipley asserted that the most logical response would be to retreat.
Despite his criticisms, Shipley acknowledged Statham's skill in controlling the blade and the fight choreography. However, he maintained that the overall realism of the CQB scenes was lacking. Ultimately, Shipley gave the action sequences a harsh rating of 2 out of 10.
The assessment underscores the contrast between cinematic spectacle and real-world combat tactics. While Statham's action films are celebrated for their thrilling sequences, Shipley's critique highlights the compromises made for the sake of entertainment.