Havoc

Havoc

Premium Carnage Without a Compelling Compass

★★★☆☆

Breathtaking action and top-tier choreography hampered by a shallow script.

Directed by the visionary Gareth Evans, Havoc delivers exactly what the title suggests: frenzied, bloody action and top-notch fight choreography. While Evans famously turned a paper-thin premise into a masterpiece with The Raid, here the script reaches for complex twists that ultimately feel hollow. Despite an impressive, "premium" feel across every technical department, the characters lack the likability needed to anchor the extravagant gun battles.

"Like the finale of a 4th of July fireworks show, its enjoyable while taking it in. But it's not especially memorable or moving in the long term."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Action Credentials

• Director: Gareth Evans (The Raid, Gangs of London)
• Starring: Tom Hardy, Timothy Olyphant
• Supporting: Luis Guzmán, Forest Whitaker
• Streaming: Exclusively on [Netflix](https://www.netflix.com)

Brutality Meets Creativity

The film is redeemed by its breathtaking action. Evans showcases a level of brutality and creativity that hearkens back to the heyday of John Woo and Robert Rodriguez. Every stunt and gun battle feels meticulously crafted, making it a feast for action purists even if the narrative remains secondary to the spectacle. It’s a showcase of high-end production design paired with a story that struggles to leave a lasting impression.

💡 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Delayed Impact: Havoc was filmed in 2021, undergoing extensive post-production and reshoots to perfect Evans' complex action sequences.
• Tom Hardy's Physicality: Hardy performed many of his own stunts, bringing the same gritty intensity seen in Mad Max: Fury Road.
• Welsh Connection: Despite its gritty urban American setting, much of the film was actually shot on location in Wales.

✅ Pros

• Elite-level fight choreography and innovative stunts.
• Impressive, "premium" production design throughout.
• Powerful, visceral performances from a star-studded cast.

❌ Cons

• Shallow, uncompelling script with forced twists.
• Characters are hard to root for or connect with.
• Action feels like isolated set-ups rather than a cohesive story.

🏆 Final Verdict

Havoc is a visceral, temporary high. It excels in the moment but fades quickly from memory. Watch it for the craftsmanship of Gareth Evans, but don't expect a new action classic on the level of The Raid.

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