Havoc Feels Like a Grand Theft Auto Adaptation (Derogatory)

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A turbulent scenario unfolds within an American urban jungle, blending elements of Chicago, Detroit, and Gotham City. However, the production’s specific geographical identity might be more conceptual than literal. The storyline takes place in the United States, but was filmed in Wales, home to its writer-director Gareth Evans. The lead character, a morally questionable detective named Walker, is portrayed by Tom Hardy, who adopts a rough, nasal accent reminiscent of his work in ‘Capone’, an accent that he has found challenging to abandon since then. The cast also includes numerous characters speaking Cantonese, led by Yeo Yann Yann as “Tsui’s Mother”, a reference to the son she comes from abroad to avenge after his death. This diverse mix of influences, ranging from ’90s Hong Kong action to Michael Mann, might sound intriguing. Yet, the end result is more akin to the backdrop of a video game like ‘Grand Theft Auto‘, a setting that lacks the feel of a genuine, vibrant location, instead appearing as a collection of locations where characters complete their tasks.

Throughout Evans’s professional journey, video games have consistently played a significant role, both positively and negatively. His notable leap was in 2011 with the release of “The Raid“, one of three films he collaborated on with martial artist Iko Uwais whom he met during a documentary about silat. The physical prowess and screen presence of Uwais, since then leading to roles in movies like “Expend4bles” and Peter Berg’s “Mile 22“, was showcased in this action-packed film. Set within a drug lord’s apartment building, the movie employs game logic with Uwais portraying a rookie officer battling through floors to reach his target.

In 2020, Evans ventured into television for the first time with “Gangs of London“, a series inspired by a 2006 video game about rival criminal gangs in the city. However, when discussing Evans’s connection to gaming, it’s usually in a negative light. The film “Havoc” is often associated with this feeling due to its excessive portrayal of warring elements. The story revolves around a group of corrupt cops, led by Timothy Olyphant’s character, and a quartet of amateur thieves, headed by Charlie (Justin Cornwell), who becomes entangled in trouble when a drug deal goes awry.

On the triad’s side, Sunny Pang plays Ching, a member who feels slighted when the boss’s son Tsui (Jeremy Ang Jones) is chosen as head of local operations, while Michelle Waterson shines as the silent enforcer who accompanies the mourning leader. Jessie Mei Li portrays Ellie, an idealistic police officer paired with a reluctant Walker for an unpredictable night. Of these characters, only Walker receives enough screen time for development, but despite Hardy’s portrayal of him as a weary workingman reminiscent of his 2013 solo show “Locke”, Walker remains a collection of stereotypes – estranged from his bitter wife, struggling to do right by his child, and closed off to others due to the secrets that have been undermining his life. Yeo’s character, with even fewer opportunities for depth, manages to convey more through subtle expressions like a skyward gaze and a single tear. The climax of the story relies on audience engagement with Charlie and his girlfriend Mia (Quelin Sepulveda), who make questionable choices and may be too old to deserve the mercy shown to younger characters.

I must say, Evans truly masters the art of action sequences, particularly in the movie “Havoc.” The most thrilling scenes unfold within a nightclub and a cabin by the lake, where the collision of various factions results in a whirlwind of gunfire and bodies flying off balconies. Outside these key moments, “Havoc” offers some striking visuals – an attack on a car amidst traffic adds tension, while an opening car chase impressively follows vehicles from an agile camera perspective.

However, “Havoc” can be somewhat hard to follow, despite its simplicity. It’s packed with potential entertainment, yet the overall effect is strangely lacking in excitement – much like having a feast filled with your favorite dishes, but finding yourself unable to enjoy it. Evans has gathered an impressive cast and loaded his film with elements that should bring delight, but the final product falls short of providing the expected joy.

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2025-04-25 01:54