12 wins. 1 loss. That was Gina Carano’s record as a Kickboxer before she retired. Through a combination of Boxing and Muay Thai, she destroyed her opponents with incredible speed and force. Steven Soderbergh saw something he could use; a photogenic ass-kicker who is more blunt instrument than actress. For a film that is simple enough for a single sentence description on IMDB, (a black ops super soldier seeks payback after she is betrayed and set up during a mission) a blunt instrument is really all you need. For a film that is more of a showcase for the next action star (and she will be) than a tightly wound plot, the choice is flawless.

Carano had me at the opening scene. A quiet diner, sipping her tea, and in walks Channing Tatum who before long ends up on the floor with the butt of a 9mm being pounded against his head… “pistol whipped” is what the kids are calling it these days. Carano has two main expressions that she uses throughout this film: annoyed and pissed-off. She uses both of those in the diner. I fell in love shortly after that.

This is the third time Soderbergh has worked with the HAYWIRE scribe Lem Dobbs. The two previously collaborated on KAFKA and THE LIMEY (arguably Soderbergh’s best film). The union on the latter was a bit bumpy which may explain why HAYWIRE feels more than a little safe. Although the plot is set up to go big, the film never really explores the environments it creates, but what it does do is deliver BIG on the action. HAYWIRE has some of the best action set pieces I have seen in a long time. From a close quarters FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE style fight scene, to a stunning and dialogue-free 10 minute foot chase (Carano didn’t use wires on the roof tops), this film uses every moment of its 93 minutes to deliver as much action as possible.

I could go into the details of the plot but it’s easier to refer you to the beginning of this review – that’s really all you need to know. I would note that Michael Fassbender is just as good in this as he was in INGLORIOUS BASTERDS, Bill Paxton is underused, Michael Douglas phones it in, Ewan McGregor can’t hide his accent well, and Antonio Banderas is well bearded. Gina Carano has a ways to go as an actress if she wants to move outside of action films, but here she is right at home and delivers the goods. HAYWIRE is tough as nails. This is the stuff you hit to work your aggression out, put the brain on autopilot and watch some bad guys get what’s coming to them. While from Steven Soderbergh’s best film it still has a lot of the Soderbergh traits, the most important being that it’s fun as hell.

VERDICT: SEE IT!

cast & credits

 
Mallory Gina Carano
Paul Michael Fassbender
Kenneth Ewan McGregor
John Kane Bill Paxton
Aaron Channing Tatum
Rodrigo Antonio Banderas
Coblenz Michael Douglas

Relativity Media presents a film directed by Steven Soderbergh. Written by Lem Dobbs. Running time: 93 minutes. Rated R

SEE YOU ON FORTY DEUCE,

G

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Jon Abrams

Editor-In-Chief at Daily Grindhouse

Jon Abrams is a New York-based writer, cartoonist, and committed cinemaniac whose complete work and credits can be found at his site, Demon’s Resume. You can contact him on Twitter as @JonZilla___.

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