I was extremely lucky to catch the World Premiere of Ilya Naishuller’s first-person actioneer Hardcore Henry when it screened in the Midnight Madness portion of the Toronto International Film Festival last September.
What I saw was a new kind of action film, starring District 9‘s Sharlto Copley, that was “filled to the brim with holy shit moments,” and puts viewers into the shoes of John McClane, Ellen Ripley, Jason Bourne, and even James Bond.
The pic takes place from the POV of Henry, who’s resurrected from death with no memory. He must discover his identity and save his wife from a warlord with a plan to bio-engineer soldiers.
Here’s some bits from my review, which can be read by clicking the above link:
As a concept it’s a bit gimmicky, but the mysterious plot and vibrant characterizations of both Jimmy and Akan keep you mentally checked in just long enough for the next “holy shit” moment.
And for a movie called ‘Hardcore Henry,’ it delivers on its promise. Naishuller blasts the audience with one of the most bloody and violent movies in the history of cinema, but manages to keep it fun (even when heads are being ripped apart).
‘Hardcore Henry’ is both the past and future of filmmaking.
Hardcore Henry is now in theaters everywhere. I recommend sitting in the back row to avoid getting motion sickness…
