Action films have become exercises in figuring out how to get a hero from point A to point B in the most violent, brutal and explosive ways imaginable. Each film takes it to a level not seen in the previous ventures before them, watching the symphony of mayhem unfold in a fiery trail of bullets and blood. Every year a new hero emerges as the one to top the next time. In that case, I’d like you to meet Hardcore Henry.
The film is told entirely from the point of view of Henry, a man who died only to be resurrected by his scientist wife as a bio-mechanical version of his former self with no memory of what happened. Now imbued with extraordinary strength and agility, Henry must save his wife from a bad guy who has kidnapped her in order to build him an army of super soldiers he can control.
I wasn’t kidding about it being from Henry’s perspective. The whole movie is filmed as a cinematic first-person-shooter of sorts. What some may find as a tedious method of filmmaking all makes sense when you see the stunt choreography. Brilliantly devised action is the real star of the show, taking the main character through a maze of gun-play, fisticuffs and vehicular chaos from an angle almost never seen by anyone but the stunt person, adding another level of excitement into the mix.
Touted as an “Event” film, Hardcore Harry could be just that. Not your typical night out at the movies, but who cares. If the trailer is this much fun, imagine seeing this on the big screen. A film like this knows what it is and builds on the foundation it was conceived on, taking it to a place where the viewer can just take in the experience without heavy critique being a distraction.
Starring Haley Bennet, Tim Roth and Sharlto Copley and directed by Ilya Naishuller, Hardcore Henry is the most visually exciting trailer to hit the public in a while. A definite recommend, if only to just watch the preview. Even though I’d suggest plunking down some green when it hits theaters. But be your own critic and check out Hardcore Henry. The name says it all. Enjoy!
Release date: April 8, 2016
