Hardcore Henry [Blu-ray]

Yes, it’s true, when historians look back at the finest works of art ever committed to celluloid, ‘Hardcore Henry’ will trump Citizen Cane, Empire Strikes Back and the Godfather. Just kidding. However, just because it won’t sweep the Oscars doesn’t mean that it’s not a blast.First of all, before you decide whether or not to see it, let me ask you a question… do you know what an ‘FPS’ is? If the answer is ‘no’ then you probably won’t agree with my – slightly flippant – opening comment about ‘Hardcore Henry’ being the greatest film ever. If you do know that ‘FPS’ is a computer-gaming term referring to ‘first person shooters’ then you’ll probably be aware that the entire film is shot through the eyes of the titular ‘Henry’ – a genetically-enhanced human who has the skills (and firepower) to shoot, blast and kick his way through hordes of faceless enemy goons (oh, and one telekinetic ‘end-of-level’ boss).Basically, this ‘film’ (and I put ‘film’ deliberately in quotes) plays out like one long computer game (or ‘FPS’ I should say). It has minimal story and character development, simply moving from one breath-taking set-piece to the next. So, if you’re looking for deep and meaningful story-telling, then best you look somewhere else. This plays out like one long music video, relaying on special effects and awesome stunts to wow the audience – as long as you’re aware of this (and possibly have a healthy appreciation for the FPS genre) then you should be entertained. Oh, and just because Henry stays mute throughout the whole film, doesn’t mean that there isn’t some pretty snappy and hilarious dialogue courtesy of the (ever reliable) Sharlto Copely.And ‘entertained’ is the word. This film’s selling points is its stunts, not its story. And it is a landmark achievement in film-making, if not storytelling. It really is well-done when you consider that it’s trying to tell a story using a silent main character and shot entirely from his point of view. Basically, ‘Hardcore Henry’ isn’t Shakespeare, it’s just good, daft, action-packed fun. And, if you’re aware of this, you should enjoy its pure over-the-top silliness, shooting and stunts.

Epic. Kept me gripped from start to finish, with fantastic chase scenes, fight scenes and some interesting visuals. I'm not the type to get motion sick, but the first 15-20 minutes were a little hard to watch. just till you get adjusted to the POV. It's like playing a game with head bob turned to max.Borrows from lots of computer games, DOOM, DUKE NUKEM, ARMA and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. to name but a few.I'm not the biggest fan of action movies but this was very well done.

When he is resurrected with no memory and new robotic limbs Henry must save his kidnapped wife from a telekinetic psychopath that has plans to weaponise a robo-army. From the opening credits (graphic, but blackly comic violence) you can tell this isn’t your usual action film - most of the movie is shot from a ‘First Person’ perspective, from the point-of-view of ‘Henry’ using a chest-cam.Hardcore Henry is basically 90 minutes of running/jumping/shooting/punching through a long line of obstacles; with some awesome freerunning/parkour with seemingly no wires (and no brains!), and high intensity and very high quality stuntwork: the elements combine to create a truly unique action spectacle. There’s also a great anarchic/punk sensibility to the movie; anything goes, and there’s a lot of crazy & zany elements… it even using things like subtitles to make a few jokes with. The biggest problem is that when everything is up at 150% the whole time, you end up becoming numb to it by about the half way point. Another downside of the FPS style is that the head-cam is very shaky and has a warped fish-eye lens which distorts a lot of the frame.Hardcore Henry is a film that’s truly cutting edge, in that it couldn't have been made even a couple of years ago - the only remotely close comparison you could draw would be a less offensive, but higher-octane version of crank. It’s fun, impressive, and completely mental, but overall struggles to engage after a while. Best viewed after consuming a twelve pack of Red Bull.

This whole movie felt like a video game! Being a fan of first person shooters I really wanted to see this! Was really fun and different from the usual action movies. I loved the first person perceptive and the explosive action scenes, they were exciting! I wasn't keen on one of the characters Jimmy, I found him genuinely annoying and wanted him to p*ss off most of the time, but he served a purpose I guess, just kind of dragged the movie down for me a little, but I can't really say anything else to negative as I did find this film enjoyable. It's gory, has decent plot, SCI-FI element, plenty of entertaining shoot outs and has amazing humour. Not one to be taken to seriously, just something original and fun for an evening viewing. May not be for everyone mind, I can certainly see that this won't appeal to everyone. I think this movie falls more to the left where game fans are standing.

An odd one this. Concept is basically let’s make a first person movie that resembles a video game. That bit worked hilariously well. So did Sharlto Copley who seems to be having such a huge time playing multiple characters.The stunts are insane, the body count off the clock and the travel sickness I had to choke down now and then wa a bit of a concern as the movie gives you no time to really take a break. The camera is constantly on the move in some very jerky whip pans.The only major trouble is the story has plot holes big enough to drive several very large vehicles through. But, then again, I didn’t really pick them up until I’d had time to process what I’d actually witnessed, so as a piece of completely brainless entertainment this movie works exceedingly well. Sound track is pretty pumping too.