There are many action films that I would count as a guilty pleasure, but with Steven Soderbergh’s latest film, Haywire, I’ll gladly shout my love from the rooftop. Mallory (Gina Carano, first time actress and Mixed Martial Arts Champion) is a highly trained covert ops specialist trying to piece together a puzzle of betrayal and conspiracy after she’s framed for murder. Combining the style of Soderbergh with the intensely realistic action sequences, the film has the spirit of independent cinema with mainstream appeal. Gina Carano is supported by an amazing cast of A-list actors including Ewan MacGregor (The Men Who Stare At Goats, The Ghost Writer), Michael Fassbender (Shame, Inglourious Basterds), Channing Tatum (G.I. Joe), Michael Douglas (Traffic, Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps), Bill Paxton (HBO’s Big Love) and the charismatic Antonio Banderas (The Skin I Live In, Desperado).
The action sequences are stripped down and highlighted by the lack of music as nothing is heard but glasses breaking and punches landing. The first fight scene sets the stage for the entire film by showing the audience that this woman can match any man she crosses. She does not fight like a man, she fights like a woman using her physique to her best advantage. It’s refreshing to see such a realistic female protagonist that does not overtly rely on her sexuality. I also enjoyed how the men in the sequences did not hold back their punches just because they were fighting a woman.
The camera style is very tight and deliberate which is so wonderful to see after so many action films have turned to handheld shots with shaky scenes that induce nausea. This film is a throwback to classic cinema that only shows you exactly what you need to see.
The story itself is at times a bit formulaic, but with the beautiful locations and the fantastic action, it’s very easily forgiven. SPOILER One aspect that bothered me was how her boss, Kenneth (Ewan MacGregor), seemed to completely dismiss Mallory’s father as an accomplice. Kenneth knew they were close, why did he not start surveillance on him as soon it all went down? Seems like a no-brainer to me. END SPOILER
Another one of my favorite aspects was how there were moments when things go wrong or in a different direction than one would expect from a formulaic action flick. Characters get hurt and must change their approach or do things that are not expected. This is of course mainly due to the acting. Michael Fassbender is able to act without saying a word, using only his facial expressions and body language. It’s mesmerizing. Gina Carano was surprisingly good and natural as the tough-as-nails, Mallory. Her dialogue is minimal, which is more about her character and this frames the style of the entire film. I also love that when fighting, the characters don’t really talk to one another. It’s all about them planning their next move rather than trying to reason with the other person. Ewan MacGregor brings charm to his character Kenneth, but I wasn’t thoroughly convinced that he could match Mallory’s fighting ability since he’s not in the field anymore.
The film has a heartbeat-type rhythm that equally balances action with drama so that just you get comfortable, it shifts in another direction to keep it moving. At 93 minutes, it’s a quick ride that leaves you wanting more. I’m afraid audiences will go see Contraband and miss this much superior action experience.
Rating: Fun, fantastic action blended with drama. 8/10
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