Hawalk Review: Tom Hardy Gareth is the only savings grace in Evans’ Gore Action
Netflix’s ‘havoc’ directed by Gareth Evans, add Tom Hardy with a thrilling conspiracy, but eventually disappoints. Why? Read on and find out.
Netflix’s ‘Kahwa’ brings together Gareth Evans and Tom Hardy together, two names that usually guarantee a solid action-pack film. Sadly, this time, the end result is far from impressive. ‘Kajar’ sounds like a missed opportunity, an otherwise an forecast with Hardy and the only savings grace in forgetful thriller.
Directed and written by Gareth Evans, ‘Havok’ follows the story of a nervous detective, played by Hardy, which must fight through criminal underworld to save a politician’s estranted son. As a conspiracy comes out, we find layers of corruption and plot in the entire city. It sounds exciting on paper, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6txjtwlosc8
The first big issue is writing. Nothing is fresh or entertaining about the story. We have seen such a plot many times before. It follows the same tired path – a bottled drug deal, a untouchable hero, endless goons for beating, and some vague political corruption were thrown to add weight. The screenplay is not surprising and goes on in a very approximate way. It seems that Evans decided to rely on purely action instead of making anything meaningful with characters or story.
The direction-wise, Evans does what he usually does-many violence, blood and chaos. Although this may be enough for some audiences looking for an mindless action flicks, others will find it lazy. The ‘Hawalk’ is remembering the tight story and emotional relationship that made Evans a film like ‘The Red’ Stand Out. Here, the story is just an excuse to go from a battle scene to the next.
Assistant artists, including Forest Whitekar, Jesse Mei Lee and Timothy Olifent, are all decent, but they are given very little to do it. Whitekar’s role, especially, feels ruined. He is a great actor, but here, he has been sidelined for some forgetable scenes. Jessie Mei Lee and others also perform their best with weak materials, but only that they can do when writing does not support them.
Now, coming in a good part – action scene. This is the place where ‘havoc’ actually shines. The fight choreography shoots cruel, intense and well. Tom Hardy is completely in his element here. He throws punches, attacks, and grinds through pain with a rawness that only he can distribute. Cinematography is also entitled to praise during these scenes. The work of the camera is liquid, captures every punch and kicks with clarity and energy. These moments are the main reason for sitting through the film.
Hardy’s performance is other large highlight. He is perfectly committed to the role, even though the character itself is not very well developed. Whenever she is on-screen, her physicality, serious sentiment and sheer appearance raises the film.
If you are a Tom Hardy fan, you can still find a clock worth a watch, just to enjoy doing it that he does best. However, if you are looking for something else – a freshly taken on an entertaining story, deep character, or action style – you will be disappointed. None of the ‘Honor’ offers. The ‘havoc’ seems to seem, shallow, and repetitive. Although not terrible, it is maximum inactive for a lazy afternoon when you just want to see some unstable action.
In fact, Hardy’s recent show Pierce Broansan, with ‘Mobland’, can be a better watch.
