Tom Hardy’s ‘Havoc’: So Bad It’s Good?

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In terms of high-octane action films, critics usually seek out stories with rich character development and captivating narratives, while viewers simply desire explosive gunfights, villains who meet gruesome ends, and a protagonist who miraculously escapes harm over the course of a fast-paced 100 minutes. The much-anticipated Netflix thriller certainly delivers on the action front, and its director, , pays no heed to criticisms regarding the film’s implausibility.

The movie titled “Havoc” took its sweet time reaching screens, and upon release for Netflix viewers (and critics), it proved to be quite an eclectic mix that didn’t quite meet the mark when it comes to delivering the typical thrill of mindless action films. Critics have taken issue with its “sparse narrative” and described it as a forgettable choice to play in the background while doing chores, which is certainly not flattering – it’s like being told you’re a poor laundry companion! Director Evans, however, seems unfazed by the criticism, as he spoke candidly about the film’s gunfights with SlashFilm, discussing how they realistically manage an apparently endless supply of ammunition.

Each time the characters discharged a firearm, they discarded it and opted for another one, often from a different person’s stockpile. This required us to strategically plan which triad members would enter through windows or doors and carry which guns, so as to maintain a consistent flow of weapon usage within the scene. I felt it was important to clarify this detail because I can anticipate some viewers criticizing the scene for its unrealistic portrayal of gunplay, but if you examine the weapons they collect, you’ll see that they are indeed being used and exchanged among the characters in that area.

‘Havoc’ Is Not a Documentary, and Sometimes You Just Need to Let Go of the Real World

As a cinephile, I can’t help but feel drawn whenever an action-packed flick pops up on my streaming platform. It’s almost instinctive to click play at the soonest possible moment. That’s why you’ll often find classic action titles dominating free streaming charts, and Jason Statham’s wild movie “The Beekeeper” made a splash last year and hasn’t left since.

In the near future, “Havoc” could very well rise to the top of Netflix’s most-watched list, and while its action sequences might not withstand scrutiny in terms of realistic bullet counts before reloading, they deliver a good dose of violence, gore, and excitement. However, unlike when Tom Hardy graces our screens for a typical beat-down, the response from viewers towards “Havoc” has been less enthusiastic than usual.

In essence, if a film is successful in attracting an audience, critics’ opinions become less significant since they don’t foot the bills. We’ll soon see if Havoc fulfills its potential, but it’s risky to bet against Tom Hardy claiming victory once more.

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2025-04-26 15:32