Flash Movie Review: Hardcore Henry

From the era where the video game Pong appeared to current times, video games have technically advanced by light years. I like most kids my age was swept up into this new form of entertainment, acquiring and trading game cartridges that my friends and I would play on our television screens. My favorite types of games were either based in science fiction or brain teasers. I was always excited to get a new space type of game where I would have to defend earth from hostile alien beings. With these types of games I did not have a problem shooting a ray gun or a cannon blaster. However, if a game used realistic guns in a real type of setting I was not a fan of the game. I did not care to pretend I was shooting humans in a war or criminal setting. As a little boy I loved playing with toy soldiers in battles; but as an adult I had no desire to put myself in a realistic fighting scenario. Now here is an interesting thought: do you think there is any correlation between violent video games and an increase in actual violence among us? It is not something I have actually thought about much until I saw this action movie. I have to tell you I always thought the more violence a person is exposed to the more numb they become to it. Even at the health clubs I chose not to teach any type of combat classes due to my beliefs. I wonder if this is why I felt I was not best suited to watch this adventure science fiction film.    WAKING from unconsciousness with no memories, to a strange woman telling him she knows him, Henry had to quickly decide if he should believe her when she was kidnapped. This film festival winner had a unique idea by filming the entire picture through Henry’s eyes. This meant there was a lot of shaky and quick jerky looking scenes. By a lot I mean every scene. With a cast that included Sharito Copley (District 9, Chappie) as Jimmy, Danila Kozlovsky (Vampire Academy, The Spy) as Akan and Tim Roth (The Incredible Hulk, Reservoir Dogs) as Henry’s father; I cannot honestly say I enjoyed the acting because there really was no story. The little story there was made no sense to me. This entire film simply was a video game on a big screen, but none of the viewers could play it. I give the movie studio credit for trying such a novel approach to filming; however, sitting in my seat watching shooting and violence the entire time was extremely boring. Hopefully I am not stereotyping but the small predominantly male crowd sitting in the theater appeared to be gamers. If this is the future of both video games and movies I do not think I will be able to handle it. I would rather stick with those old games like Pong or Tetris.

 

1 1/2 stars

 

 

 

 

Unknown's avatar

About moviejoltz

From a long line of movie afficionados, one brother was the #1 renter of movies in the country with Blockbuster, I am following in the same traditions that came before me. To balance out the long hours seated in dark movie theaters, I also teach yoga and cycling. For the past 3 years, I have correctly picked the major Oscar winners... so join me as we explore the wonder of movies and search for that perfect 4 star movie.

Posted on April 13, 2016, in Fantasy/Sci-Fi and tagged , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. 5 Comments.

  1. I’m waiting for a good movie to see – darn. Seems like a dry spell. I did see “My Name is Doris.” It was enjoyable. I’ll keep hoping to see that intriguing review, which will send me to the movies! Thank you. 🙂

    • Hi Judy, I am glad you saw Hello, my Name is Doris. I agree with you regarding the dry spell; it has been dismal to say the least. If you have a moment check out the reviews for Midnight Special and Eye in the Sky; they may intrigue you. Thanks for the comments.

      • I appreciate the heads up for those movies – thank you! I’ll check them out and let you know if I see either of them. I look forward to your reviews, especially when I know it’s something I’ll go to see!

  2. Jordan Richardson's avatar Jordan Richardson

    “I would rather stick with those old games like Pong or Tetris.”

    You and me both. This looks like a gimmick, through and through, but it’s been done before and to greater effect. I’m reminded of DARK PASSAGE from 1947 in particular, in which POV exists as a form that matters and not a mere gimmick. And in that outing, there was value in the darkness imposed on the viewer.

Leave a reply to Judy Cancel reply