Review of Blackhat (2015) by Maksim B — 08 May 2015

Uneven, sharp-less and with realism to a zero level, Blackhat is a disappointing Michael Mann directorial effort. This long awaited new delivery from Mann has surely the visual style typical for its director, but lacks the substance, the tension and the pace that could have made the movie something more than a mediocre, if not poor, delivery.

A nuclear plant in China is hacked by a mysterious hacker who causes a disastrous meltdown. Days later the system of NYSE is hacked in another cyber-crime and someone benefits from the price-surge of some commodities. Being totally unprepared, both the Chinese and American secret agencies have to co-operate in order to identify, to track and to capture the people responsible for these events before they strike again. To do this, however, they need the help of Chris Hemsworth a computer genius held in prison. After this brief introduction and the bringing of Hemsworth on the screen as the leading element a cat-mouse game starts across the South-Eastern Asia.

The premises seem intriguing enough for a fast-paced cyber thriller with neo-noir elements and of course the typical Michael Mann visual and camera approach. Unfortunately, only the visuals and camera-work typical for Mann's movies are to a level that would match the expectations. The first and main problem of Blackhat is that it lacks any credibility. Even if you are not a computer geek the whole story would seem totally unbelievable and unrealistic. Add up to it that the whole story development is scattered, uneven and unfocused and you would feel as if you are watching a movie that is beautiful in its technical aspects, but lacking the substance of a decent thriller. Being even awful at moments, the only pleasure one could find in Michael Mann's delivery is his typical visual style (and this provided that you are a true Michael Mann fan). The movie does not receive much help from its cast either. Chris Hemsworth is clearly not able to get into the role of a brainiac and the only actor that really satisfies is Viola Davis who has proven with time that she could deliver a convincing performance when she is supposed to be an arrogant, sarcastic bitch.

In conclusion, Blackhat is a major disappointment having in mind that it is directed by Michael Mann. When people talk about Mann, they expect something much deeper and much more engaging and mesmerizing than his latest delivery. Unrealistic, flat, uneven, unfocused, almost boring, Blackhat could be considered as the worst moment of Mann's career track record. Blackhat is only watchable if you are on a plane or something else and you are so bored that you are ready to watch whatever it is , but just to waste some time. Or even you are a die-hard fan of Mann or Chris Hemsworth.