Review of Hardcore Henry (2015) by Lance P — 08 Apr 2016

Hardcore Henry is full of action, and the pace is relentless, which is both good and not good.

From the beginning to end, as an audience we're introduced to four main characters who repeatedly show up throughout the movie, but for whom we have no backstory and are without reason to empathize for them. The movie's main "protagonist" (If you will- for this main "good guy" sure implements a lot of unnecessary brutal violence for someone we should supposedly root for) only gathers enough emotional momentum in that we are invited to believe that everything he is doing from beginning to end is for his wife (Which seems like a common element to associate to rooting for someone). The movie's finale cleans up all the questions, which is quite nice (Since so many films inevitably fail at this); however, the answers we're given (No worries, no spoilers here) are so mundane that we are left to think whether this whole film was intentionally made with the same depth as that of a violent but monotonous video game. There is no message to this movie, (Beyond that of "Live for who you are and don't let anyone else define you.) no political statement, and no solid foundation. Simply put, this film is a quick conglomerate of gratuitous violence, one scene after another- full of fun and humor (Dark humor, of course), all without any reason or direction. It's a film that is fun to see on the big screen with grandiose speakers because that is where it's most fun to see an action film- but you won't leave the movie with any mental stimuli, just a lot of memory recaps on the bloody dismembering, creatively gruesome killings, and redundant sexual innuendos and teases throughout. (A long segment of topless women at a strip club in the middle).

I have to say how shocked I was to hear a child's voice behind me with his parents in this movie, who happened to stay there throughout the 1.5 hours. If there's one truly shocking thing to take note of about a film like this, it's not even the violence, language, or sex that is so appalling- it's witnessing careless parents allowing young minds to intake such horrendous images prematurely. That is careless, unwise, and strongly urged against by me, especially after viewing the film for myself. This is a true R-rated film, not holding anything back. My strongest recommendation is that adults keep their little ones from this unless you intend for them to be numbed from violence, sex, and f-bombs before they even reach adolescence. This film isn't necessary, helpful, or remotely "age-appropriate" fun: this is strictly for adults.

3 stars, because I thought this movie was incredibly entertaining with some well-landed laugh-out-loud humor here and there between engaging action-sequences. But it was truly missing high-quality characters and a solid, coherent story for those who seek one.