Review of Cold Pursuit (2019) by Franksan — 10 Apr 2016

My son plays first-person shooter video games, mostly Call of Duty, all the time. He is not interested in Hardcore Henry. You may be familiar with the objection: He doesn't wish to watch a video game he cannot control. The funny thing is I've probably held a game controller for less than a half hour my whole life. Somehow this PoV experiment intrigued me.

First-time director Ilya Naishuller explains that you get a believable immersion by strapping a GoPro on your surrogate at mouth or chin level. You don't want him to speak because it would break the believability. What else do you need to know? Strap in (as long as you're not the queasy type) because you are going for quite a ride. Hardcore Henry is truly an original cinema experience, and mostly it works terrific.

Another funny thing is gratuitous gore is not really my thing. Don't let anyone tell you this movie holds back. You'd think there's a carnage Oscar category or they're getting paid by the body. I won't say it is tastefully done, but in the world of Henry, ultra violence works fine.

The filmmakers are a little afraid of breaking the spell they have created by the pacing. They don't wish to provide too much relief. Personally I think this is a mistake. After all, Hardcore Henry is at heart a suspense thriller. The story would benefit from a few more misdirections and a bit more character development. But then I am asking a lot. As it is Henry is pretty busy staying alive and solving the case. Honestly it is enough that the producers, director, actors, and stunt people (and the glorious city of Moscow) invested so much heart into Hardcore Henry.

I am going to see it again soon.