As far as action movies go, Hardcore Henry is an exciting entry to the genre. It is innovative, and takes a highly original approach to the standard foot-chase action film. The entire movie takes place from the first-person perspective, always looking out into the chaos rather than merely observing. Some are calling the shooting style a gimmick, but it fully shapes the movie and goes way beyond aesthetic.
Aside from that aspect, and some (as-always) acting excellence from Sharlto Copley as sidekick Jimmy, Hardcore Henry follows the traditional route: the storyline is simple, about a man on a mission to find out who he really is. There’s the vague love interest (Haley Bennett) and a comic-book villain (Danila Kozlovsky), both of which provide a framework for the story but not much else. At some times, they even detract from what is an otherwise enjoyable ride.
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That is, if you enjoy video games. Imagine any first-person shooter you’ve ever played, and envision yourself stepping into your character’s body. Enemies jump out from around every corner as you parkour your way through and around a variety of obstacles. We’re talking kitchen sink here — grenades, cars, entire buildings — and at the very least, Hardcore Henry lives up to its title. It is hardcore.
Will I get motion sickness?
No. Though there are times, as happened to me while watching Cloverfield, where I had to avert my eyes or close them entirely because of the shaky cam. So it was less of a motion-sickness thing and more of a visual one. There’s also an unexpectedly plentiful number of scenes that take place atop high buildings and towers, so if you have a fear of heights, you might want to bring a napkin to sop up sweaty palms.
How is the first-person perspective?
On the whole, it’s a crazy trip. The action never stops, and just when things seem like they’re going to calm down, someone starts shooting at you. As the film surpasses hour one, the first-person becomes slightly frustrating, if only because you want to know who the protagonist is. There is an undeniable urge to want to turn the camera around just to get a glimpse.
Thankfully, Copley is so engaging, acting as the movie’s guidebook and explainer as well as court jester, the comic relief amongst all the carnage. When you start to get bogged down by the weight of the unfolding events, in comes Copley with his huge, manic eyes, a magnetic force for the camera. There is no danger of getting bored when he’s onscreen, and there’s a lot of him. Contemplating that the movie is just Copley acting straight-on into the lens, I can’t help appreciating it even more.
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Do you ever get to see the protagonist?
Yes and no. I’ll leave it at that.
How violent is it?
Pretty violent. The requisite “aahhhh!” and “oh my god!” exclamations happened at a frequent clip, when bones are broken or knives are thrust through skin. Upon reflection, it’s actually more running and heart-racing leaps and jumps than sheer gore. It’s there but it’s not solely what it’s about, sort of like a Deadpool lite. The movie attempts to fill its slower sections with a sideplot romance (of sorts), but the dialogue really drags it down. And let’s face it: long-winded conversational scenes from the first-person perspective — when we don’t really have an emotional connection with who the main character is — aren’t exactly a thrill ride.
So what’s the bottom line?
Hardcore Henry delivers on its promise: it’s a non-stop action movie. There are plenty of fights, gunplay and chases, and it’s a pleasure to watch Copley in anything. Video game fans will not be disappointed, though you might find your hands itching to grab hold of a non-existent controller.
‘Hardcore Henry’ opens in theatres on April 8.
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