Haywire (2012)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Michael S

  
  "Haywire" is an interesting film from Soderbergh, who once again is at his more experimental. It's a dialogue heavy affair with bursts of action and surprising stylistic choices (from it's restrained cinematography and editing, too it's super cool score in the… More
  "Haywire" is an interesting film from Soderbergh, who once again is at his more experimental. It's a dialogue heavy affair with bursts of action and surprising stylistic choices (from it's restrained cinematography and editing, too it's super cool score in the vein of 60s thrillers), but there's definitely some hiccups along the way. For a film that almost succeeds as a completely satisfying and straightforward exercise in style, "Haywire" is overwritten; even frustrating at times. The script is muddled and feels unnecessarily convoluted, which takes away some of the fun attributed to a film like this. I wanted to focus on the genre thrills, not disjointed plotting. Though the customary explanations do occur, a tighter narrative would more suitably match the length and spirit of the film. Ultimately, what really makes "Haywire" work isn't it's generic plot or been there done that premise; it's Gina Carano. She has a great charisma and screen presence! Carano, in nearly every scene, is quite striking in that she has such a unique, hard edged beauty and is so utterly convincing in both the brawls and dramatic scenes. She's simply intriguing to watch and keeps us invested. The film's greatest asset without question. It's also great watching the big names show up (McGregor, Douglas, banderas, Fassbender, Paxton)... Even if they don't have anything really dynamic to do (other than fight Carano). The combative scene between Carano and Fassbender in particular is really impressive, and the brutal highlight of the film. There's something so enjoyable about watching this human wrecking ball who just so happens to be a woman lay such a beat-down; especially when it's done with such conviction! No, "Haywire" isn't Soderbergh's next great film, and because of certain decisions in both the writing and directorial process it isn't that accessible or audience-friendly either. But I appreciated Soderbergh's unique, layed-back, and classy approach to what is after all a pretty routine story. Through art house flourishes, Soderbergh sells it, and the potentially star making debut of Gina Carano leaves an impression.

• Adriel L

  
  A rather vague smorgasbord of a film. The direction would make great for a film subject that is familiar and glad, as is the case with Soderbergh's other ventures, but it loses appeal, and merely incites confusion and disinterest, although the action was something to behold, but… More
  A rather vague smorgasbord of a film. The direction would make great for a film subject that is familiar and glad, as is the case with Soderbergh's other ventures, but it loses appeal, and merely incites confusion and disinterest, although the action was something to behold, but what is the point without a good story that backs things up, at least to serve my taste.

• Tired of P

  
  Question: Okay, ladies, do you want a movie that you could take your father to the movie theatre and both of you would enjoy the film? Well, I may have just found the perfect one. It's called Haywire. Another question: How many girls took those self-defense courses where one… More
  Question: Okay, ladies, do you want a movie that you could take your father to the movie theatre and both of you would enjoy the film? Well, I may have just found the perfect one. It's called Haywire. Another question: How many girls took those self-defense courses where one guy dressed up in a huge outfit of protective gear where you learned to knee him where it counts, scream and yell NO! and 911? Well, I did and most of the time I felt ridiculous; however, if there were courses where I could be like Mallory Kane in Haywire I would sign up in a heartbeat. That woman can kick some serious butt. She was awesome!! Back to the father/daughter part: I took my father or maybe he took me, but I drove, to see Haywire. I was going because Ewan McGregor was in it and I will see anything he is in! My father said he'll tag along because he liked EM in Angels and Demons. Yes, he didn't know anything about Haywire but I knew he would like it. (Did I ever mention I got my love of movies from my father? Also, he has the same ability as me - we can recall actor's names and scenes better than real life memories or people's names.) The movie starts in the middle of the story and you have no idea what's going on. Mallory ends up in a diner drinking tea looking a little worse for wear. A man shows up and starts talking with her. She knows him but you don't know how. Then the coolest scene happens and my father and I turn to each other and smile. I won't say what happens but the movie hooked me right there! My father whispers, "Oh, I like her." As the story continues the audience is slowly exposed to the story. It goes in and out of the present and several flashbacks set to music that totally reminded me of the music in Ocean's Eleven. Well, it's the same director and the music worked so it didn't bother me it at all. Actually, I might point out that during some of the "fight" scenes there was no score - nothing. It was unnerving at first but then I realized it made it that more real. Mallory Kane is a black ops agent and is sent on missions that not many can perform. There are several scenes where she does use self-defense techniques but full on hand-to-hand combat moves are really her forte. And in fact, those scenes had me grinning ear-to-ear, and there are plenty of them. My father whispers, "I love this woman. You don't mess with her." I would love to go into more detail...wait, what I am saying? No, I don't. Haywire is a thriller - a simple one but a thriller nonetheless, but the storytelling made it worthwhile and exciting. Also, Mallory Kane is one bad-ass character that any female can look up to and inspire more girls to sign-up for boxing, karate and any other type of hand-to-hand combat classes. I am searching right now where I can take a class... I must mention that I loved the way this movie ended. So, I will say it again, call your father up, ladies, and have a lovely time at Haywire. My father states, "That was great. Those guys made a huge mistake. She's the type of woman you say, 'Yes, dear and comply or you'll regret it.'" My thoughts exactly! Directed by Steven Soderbergh, Relativity Media, 2012 Starring: Gina Carano, Ewan McGregor, Channing Tatum Michael Fassbender Antonio Banderas and Michael Douglas. Genre: Action, thriller. My favorite thing: A great female character to look up to. My least favorite thing: That Ewan McGregor broke my heart in this tale but I will always love him. Rating: R Length: 93 minutes Review: 8 out of 10

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"They left her no choice."</i> A black ops super soldier seeks payback after she is betrayed and set up during a mission. <center><font size=+2 face="Century… More
  <i>"They left her no choice."</i> A black ops super soldier seeks payback after she is betrayed and set up during a mission. <center><font size=+2 face="Century Schoolbook"><b><u>REVIEW</u></b></font></center> Physically imposing Channing Tatum as Aaron politely asks Gina Carano as rogue agent Mallory to give herself up. She replies, "I don't think so..." Tatum throws hot coffee in Carano's face, and then viciously slams her head into the counter. She weathers the beating, and then picks her moment to unleash quick hooks. She manipulates Tatum to the ground and snaps his arm in a jujitsu lock. Carano is a fierce presence and a genuine force on screen. She is gorgeous-long black hair and ultra fit body. The former MMA champion is imposing herself standing at 5'8". But she is fighting ripped 6'1" Tatum and Michael Fassbender. Carano is the real deal. Director Steven Soderbergh does justice to her fighting acumen. In "Haywire" you see full body fight choreography with speed, power, and precision-no quick cut edits with torso shots. Carano delivers a vicious front kick to Fassbender that sends him crashing through a door that you can almost feel. "Haywire" is at its best in accelerated mayhem and destruction. Lem Dobbs story seems almost an afterthought or excuse for Carano to just kick some ass-mostly a means to an end. Carano is a powerful physical presence as she is charismatic, however, is she really a compelling actor? Hard to discern-in "Haywire" she plays sullen and singular in focus. Soderbergh wisely orchestrates and leverages Carano's strengths. I think it would be interesting to see her in a more multi-dimensional role-she kind of hints at vulnerability here. She is solid in her part. Although Carano's physicality also has a downside, particularly in this vengeance tale. She may be too overpowering for the logical narrative showdown. Still watching Carano springing off the wall and crashing with devastating hooks and kicks is awesome. Too bad Soderbergh doesn't give Carano much more to do than that. At least they both leave us wanting to see more.

• Lewis C

  
  A lean, mean action movie that's almost too focused and bare-bones. The fight scenes hit VERY hard, though, and are some of the most impressive, brutal, and authentic that I've seen in quite a while. On the other hand the plot is barely there and poorly explained, which… More
  A lean, mean action movie that's almost too focused and bare-bones. The fight scenes hit VERY hard, though, and are some of the most impressive, brutal, and authentic that I've seen in quite a while. On the other hand the plot is barely there and poorly explained, which dulls some of Haywire's potential. This is undoubtedly a flawed action-thriller, but what it does well, it does VERY well.

• Kase V

  
  Everyone seemed to have high expectations for Steven Soderbergh's action-thriller 'Haywire'. The director is usually worthy of my trust to create such a satisfying film, and he does not entirely disappoint here. The acting from the ensemble cast was all brilliant, all… More
  Everyone seemed to have high expectations for Steven Soderbergh's action-thriller 'Haywire'. The director is usually worthy of my trust to create such a satisfying film, and he does not entirely disappoint here. The acting from the ensemble cast was all brilliant, all the way around. The cinematography and camera work was original and enticing. But the story is very poorly constructed and loses its viewer easily. The fight scenes do not seems to be choreographed well and are very underwhelming. We don't necessarily feel the punches landing or any kind of enticement as the protagonist wreaks havoc on each foe. Soderbergh stylistic choices don't always work, but the film's great cast and camera work are reason alone to enjoy this film.

• Liam G

  
  Stylish, full of energy and well-paced, Steven Soderbergh's ''Haywire'' is a very entertaining action film. The fight scenes are filmed superbly, Gina Carano makes for a great heroine and, though it may not have the character of last year's… More
  Stylish, full of energy and well-paced, Steven Soderbergh's ''Haywire'' is a very entertaining action film. The fight scenes are filmed superbly, Gina Carano makes for a great heroine and, though it may not have the character of last year's ''Hanna'', it brings a new style to the action genre.

• Greg S

  
  A female freelance operative hunts down the men who double crossed her. A confusing and contrived thriller plot held together entirely by former MMA fighter Gina Carano's charisma.

• Matt G

  
  Kenneth: You shouldn't think of her as being a woman. That would be your first mistake. A fantastic way to approach a film by Steven Soderbergh is to have a good sense of what you are getting into. His newest film, Haywire, is a throwback to '70's revenge thrillers… More
  Kenneth: You shouldn't think of her as being a woman. That would be your first mistake. A fantastic way to approach a film by Steven Soderbergh is to have a good sense of what you are getting into. His newest film, Haywire, is a throwback to '70's revenge thrillers that takes us on a globe-trotting journey. What elevates the film has nothing to do with the director, it has to do with the brutal action-sequences done by our female lead, played by MMA fighter Gina Carano, who manages to kick some serious ass throughout, but does not have much talent acting-wise. My main beef with Haywire is that it does not feature an engaging story, nor does it have a satisfying conclusion, but the well-handled action sequences are able to keep your attention in this uneven flick. Read the whole review at creedsdelight.com

• Kristijonas F

  
  The first few months of the year function as sort of cinema graveyard, a time period reserved for direct-to-video releases and other cheap Hollywood rubbish that deserves to be buried quickly and quietly. But Haywire is something different - a stylish, artsy and old-school take on a… More
  The first few months of the year function as sort of cinema graveyard, a time period reserved for direct-to-video releases and other cheap Hollywood rubbish that deserves to be buried quickly and quietly. But Haywire is something different - a stylish, artsy and old-school take on a spy thriller. Action-packed and minimalistic, this movie kills because of the gorgeous MMA fighter Gina Carano, a glorious ensemble of A-list actors (including my personal favorite Mr. Fassbender), and smooth, fluid direction from Steven Soderbergh. The movie has it's obvious limitations (the lead's acting talent, paper-thin plot, etc), and it's minor Soderbergh, but I just found it simply refreshing to watch a classic beat-'em-up without all that seizure-inducing editing that has been so popular for the last decade. And the fight sequences are amazing. Just watch the film for them. And Michael Fassbender.

• Justin Y

  
  Steven Soderbergh has some positives and some not-so positives with <i>Haywire</i>.<p>With a plot that requires attention to follow, <i>Haywire</i> still ultimately ends up as a 90+ minute dry thriller. The layers of story detail moderately keep things… More
  Steven Soderbergh has some positives and some not-so positives with <i>Haywire</i>.<p>With a plot that requires attention to follow, <i>Haywire</i> still ultimately ends up as a 90+ minute dry thriller. The layers of story detail moderately keep things interesting, but the lack of surprises and major plot twists end up as a disappointment.</p><p>There is a decent amount of action; however, an intense action movie this is not, as there is more emphasis on story. The stunt work and fight choreography are solid. Gina Carano delivers some brutal hits and can hang with the big guns during any encounter.</p><p>While Carano definitely has the persona to be a leading lady, she needs to step up in the acting department because her performance here is one dimensional. The rest of the cast consist of some easily recognizable names, but all are a waste in a film that is all Carano.</p><p>Good camerawork, plot concept, and a lovely Gina Carano makes <i>Haywire</i> a watchable movie, but it lacks that extra spark to make it anything more than that.</p>

• Josh M

  
  Haywire is a very dry action film, put together with skill and taste (you'd expect that from Soderberg), and featuring balletic, thrilling hand to hand combat scenes. However, due to a vague, paint by numbers intrigue plot (Bourne identity-ish) and a wooden performance from… More
  Haywire is a very dry action film, put together with skill and taste (you'd expect that from Soderberg), and featuring balletic, thrilling hand to hand combat scenes. However, due to a vague, paint by numbers intrigue plot (Bourne identity-ish) and a wooden performance from rookie actress and MMA fighter Gina Carano, it's hard to care. Some of the best Hollywood A list actors (Ewan McGregor, Michael Douglas, Michael Fassbender, Bill Paxton) are wasted here with a script that gives them little to do. On the plus side of the ledger, there are nice location scenes in Ireland, Spain and Paris, and a few witty lines here and there. I also enjoyed Soderberg's sparing use of music, mostly witheld during the combat scenes in favour of natural sound, which was very effective. Gina Carano has screen presence and is a great fighter. With a few acting lessons, she may actually emerge as a strong leading lady, but not yet. Talented screenwriter Lem Dobbs does far better with a similar film, The Limey as well as the science fiction flick Dark City. This one is all plot and no character, never a good balance. Wait for the rental, and just fast forward to the action, and you won't be let down.

• KJ P

  
  "Haywire" serves as one of the best January releases in recent history, with stunning choreography, great performances from many faces of the supporting cast, including Channing Tatum, who really stood out for once, in my opinion, and a fun story, that may be a little too… More
  "Haywire" serves as one of the best January releases in recent history, with stunning choreography, great performances from many faces of the supporting cast, including Channing Tatum, who really stood out for once, in my opinion, and a fun story, that may be a little too smart for it's own good. The editing is perfect, the style is definitely Soderbergh, as the colouring and specific lighting is present. As a trained government professional, Mallory must fight to stay alive after a mission that left her caught. They know every move she is going to make, and she will do whatever it takes to get away. With a few surprising cameos, an adrenaline fuelled plot, and a cast that will have anyone smiling, "Haywire" is awesome! Gina Carano is not the best actress in the world, as it kind of shows through this film, but the supporting cast deifnitely makes her seem better than she really is. All I know is that she can kick ass, and that is what makes her character so enjoyable. I definitely recommend checking this one out, even though it has quite a few problems in it's execution!

• danny d

  
  january is known as "garbage time" in cinema. its the month that bad films go to die, and some make money doing it. the past few years garbage time has given us at least one gem, so when i saw that this film was directed by steven soderbergh and had a phenomenal cast, i… More
  january is known as "garbage time" in cinema. its the month that bad films go to die, and some make money doing it. the past few years garbage time has given us at least one gem, so when i saw that this film was directed by steven soderbergh and had a phenomenal cast, i thought it could be the one. it was. i was skeptical when i saw that a MMA star with no acting experience was the lead, and lets be honest, her acting in this film was mostly sub par. however, her co stars were all excellent, and the script was phenomenal. even with some so-so acting, carano didnt hurt the film at all, and her action sequences were so good that it justified her presence in the lead role. the film plays out like an art house approach to 70's action thrillers. the plot is great, the images lasting, the pacing and editing top notch, and certain shots were handled with wonderfully unique perspectives for a genre film like this. most cliches were avoided, at least until the end. an excellent action film to start 2012.

• Flutie A

  
  Not sure what all the positive reviews were about. Nearly every action scene is spoiled in trailers, and they felt the need to dub over Gina Carano's voice. It served as a pretty good distraction, and it's made worse by the fact that the dialogue is, at points, overly… More
  Not sure what all the positive reviews were about. Nearly every action scene is spoiled in trailers, and they felt the need to dub over Gina Carano's voice. It served as a pretty good distraction, and it's made worse by the fact that the dialogue is, at points, overly simplified and forced (a scene where her character asks for a drink of water is the main culprit). The score they play behind the movie also seemed out of place...It's like Steven Soderbergh recycled a version of the Ocean's 11 background music and cranked it over 75% of the movie to make sure Gina didn't have to talk. I expected that since they went out and made this movie for Gina Carano because she was an MMA-fighter that they'd have more martial arts than they did...Like I said, all the fights are essentially spoiled in trailers, and there are almost NO surprises. I'm hopeful that Gina Carano gets another chance to showcase her talent because she's clearly a skilled fighter....I just hope it isn't in a dud like this one.

• Mark H

  
  Haywire is Steven Soderbergh Lite. I suspect he never intended this to be some grand statement about the life of a secret agent. There's little in the way of innovation here. Female led action films can't call themselves cutting edge anymore simply by virtue of the… More
  Haywire is Steven Soderbergh Lite. I suspect he never intended this to be some grand statement about the life of a secret agent. There's little in the way of innovation here. Female led action films can't call themselves cutting edge anymore simply by virtue of the protagonist's sex. Resident Evil, Underworld, Wanted, Salt and Hanna are just a few recent titles that fit this description. Take your pick, the trend is quite common (and profitable) these days. In the hands of a lesser director, this might have been less successful, but Soderbergh's artistic touches (cast, cinematography and music) manage to push this adventure into a satisfactory time filler. http://fastfilmreviews.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/haywire/

• Aaron N

  
  Mallory Kane: You can tell me right now why you sold me out, or you can tell me in ten minutes, when I have my hands around your throat. Once again, the month of January has actually managed to deliver some disposable fun, this time in the form of an action thriller from director… More
  Mallory Kane: You can tell me right now why you sold me out, or you can tell me in ten minutes, when I have my hands around your throat. Once again, the month of January has actually managed to deliver some disposable fun, this time in the form of an action thriller from director Steven Soderbergh. Haywire falls into the director's category of more mainstream, but it certainly boasts a strong cast and enough offbeat qualities to make it stand out a bit. Of course, the main thing to take away from this film is that star (and MMA fighter) Gina Carano can kick all of our asses, and look good doing it, which is especially important, given that the story is stripped down to basics and does not rely on having much complexity or originality in the narrative. Haywire is held together by its cast, authentic and brutal fights, and its style, which feels like a throwback to 70s revenge flicks. read the whole review at thecodeiszeek.com

• Tyler C

  
  A solid revenge action thriller with a great ensemble cast. Soderbergh delivers on the visceral style, and this is way better than any January release in theaters so far.

• Glenn G

  
  HAYWIRE is a cool movie, and that's not entirely a compliment. Steven Soderbergh has always been an undefinable filmmaker with his ability to switch genres so frequently and easily. Despite that, a somewhat nerdy, detached aesthetic has seeped into his films. Think of the… More
  HAYWIRE is a cool movie, and that's not entirely a compliment. Steven Soderbergh has always been an undefinable filmmaker with his ability to switch genres so frequently and easily. Despite that, a somewhat nerdy, detached aesthetic has seeped into his films. Think of the clinical way he presented CONTAGION, or the sleek look of the OCEANs franchise. With HAYWIRE, Soderbergh is making his 70s actioner, something that Quentin Tarantino can do while falling asleep to COFFY or SUPERFLY, but he applies his own voice to the proceedings. Eschewing fast cutting, amped up music, or bone-crackling sound effects, fights are presenting with limited editing, the music is best described as Space Ace Lounge, and every broken bone sound has been turned down to a 6. The story of a secret government operative (are there any other kind in movies?) who kicks and punches her way through a series of double crosses, HAYWIRE is the MAD MEN of action-thrillers. The tone is low- key, much like its star, Mixed Martial Arts fighter, Gina Carano. Perhaps Soderbergh wanted to match her tone, as she's clearly not much of an actress. She looks great and has a killer stare which holds the screen, but her line deliveries, which reportedly were digitally altered to give them more heft, are a flat monotone. There's no gravity behind her performance. Instead, it's calm, cool, and collected, much like her male counterparts in B-movies. So I guess it's a compliment to say she's right up there with the acting stylings of Jean Claude Van Damme! In keeping with the tone, Soderbergh surrounds her with a lot of A-List talent (Michael Fassbender, Michael Douglas, Antonio Banderas, Ewan McGregor, Bill Paxton, and Channing Tatum), who keep their performances to a low simmer and most often get the shit kicked out of them, while getting in a few licks of their own against our heroine. Yep, dudes punching a woman is about as progressive as this film gets. The most emotion any of these actors displays is when one of them memorably gets the lifeforce nutcrackered out of him between Carano's taut legs. None of them really get to bring comic relief to the proceedings, because, well, it ain't that kind of movie. Any humor is really served up by Michael Angarano and an unfortunate deer. Angarano, you may recall as Young William in ALMOST FAMOUS, or more recently in RED STATE. All growed up, he's our exposition dumpee so that we can understand the plot machinations. In any other thriller, he would be given lines like, "Oh hell no! Get me off this train!!!"...but here he gets to provide semi-humorous reactions to Carano's explanations and fast driving. Yep, the deer steals the show instead. So yes, Soderbergh gets to check off another genre and give us a pretty intricate retro story. Lem Dobbs' script has nicely coiled story structure here, where you think it's episodic, yet it all comes together in the end. I'm guessing he didn't have the tone in mind that Soderbergh provides, but it all adds up to a somewhat forgettable yet smart genre exercise.

• Andy S

  
  Steven Soderbergh is probably one of the most diverse filmmakers today. He has made disaster movies (Contagion), brought independent filmmaking into the mainstream, and made one of the best comedy-crime thrillers ever. Now, he has decided to take on the pure action genre, and has… More
  Steven Soderbergh is probably one of the most diverse filmmakers today. He has made disaster movies (Contagion), brought independent filmmaking into the mainstream, and made one of the best comedy-crime thrillers ever. Now, he has decided to take on the pure action genre, and has delivered a great example of it, especially for the film essentially being a vehicle for Gina Carano. First off, the action itself. It really is unlike many action pictures nowadays. Not everything in the room gets smashed. There are no fancy, flashy fighting movies. It feels dirty, gritty, and painful, and is very involving. Unlike most movies where you know you are looking at special effects or wire-fu, this movie stars an actual MMA fighter who knows all this stuff anyway, making all of it seem that much more real. Overall, a great cast, led by the surprisingly good Carano, gripping action, and just-over-competent storytelling makes this a very good action flick.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings