Read Positive User Reviews for Haywire

7

XonAug 4, 2013

Pleasant movie. The fights were incredible yet totally grounded in reality. The story is somewhat predictable but decent and serviceable. The soundtrack is excellent and really carries the film forward.

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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7

quincytheodoreFeb 23, 2012

It's really true a director can make so much different in a movie. Steven Soderbergh lift Haywire from the near grip of B-movie to a decent spy flick. One of the appeals in this movie is Gina Carano, an MMA fighter who admittedly doesn't haveIt's really true a director can make so much different in a movie. Steven Soderbergh lift Haywire from the near grip of B-movie to a decent spy flick. One of the appeals in this movie is Gina Carano, an MMA fighter who admittedly doesn't have much acting prowess but possesses the strength and speed, better than most stunt women. Haywire tells a story of a secret operative betrayed by her contacts which precede her going hulk on them. Think of it as Bourne movie starring female version of Van Damme in Ocean's Eleven style.

It's painfully obvious that Gina, while being the main protagonist, looks uncomfortable and forced. When she tried to be dramatic or serious, it got unintentionally corny. I think she needs more experience before sharing screen with the big names, but Soderbergh cleverly disguised it with great screenplay and cinematography. He balanced the scenes so veteran actors can take the lead or played the cameras to mask her weakness. It has proven effective as with plethora of talented actor (Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender, Antonio Banderas and Michael Douglas) its narrative went more towards stylish rather than cheesy.

The angle of cameras and jazzy jingle before next set piece reminded me heavily on Ocean's Eleven. He crafted it in clean and sleek fashion, without resorting of CG abuse or over-the-top action. Sequences play out in vivid motions, often with subtle yet captivating details. For example, in certain chase scene, the camera follows Gina as she ran across rooftops and streets with the enemies just behind her, continuously switching between them without losing focus. Background also serves as important parts, Soderbergh incorporated them in smooth style as it blended with the narrative and also engaged the audience.

With MMA fighter as the main character, it gives a lot of edge in combat scene. Most of the fights occur in fast pace and seems tremendously hurtful. Usually Hollywood movies flicker in and out of combat, creating illusion of intense combat or just blatantly abuse CG. This is not so in Haywire, Gina can handle herself very well, her stunts are powerful and unforgiving. You can clearly see the impact of the punches, knees and kicks, she really goes all out in the hurt department. In the first five minutes, Channing Tatum slapped her with coffee mug, tossed her to the ground and began ground-and-pound. It's the purest stunt this side of Chocolate.

While I like Soderbergh's style, I must admit that it relies on the audience piecing the story themselves. He switched from flashback to present, from one character to another, from once city to another as fast as Gina throws her punch, it can be quite convulted at some point. Cinematography is smart and polished, however sometimes it gets awkward when Gina isn't kicking some ass. She does look good though, her great physique is another point Soderbergh portrayed well. Ultimately it's a show case of great fights by a muscular woman with sophisticated B-movie cliche. 7.5/10… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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8

Coco890Oct 15, 2012

This came as a bit of a surprise to me as you almost never find a movie as good as this in January. I realize that critics clearly enjoyed this more then people which should say something. That this movie was marketed as something completelyThis came as a bit of a surprise to me as you almost never find a movie as good as this in January. I realize that critics clearly enjoyed this more then people which should say something. That this movie was marketed as something completely different then it truly was. I realize this is the case with all of the director's work. The same thing happened with Contagion and Magic Mike which I both liked very much. So if you ever plan on seeing this movie, don't believe what the trailer tells you. This is a very odd film. Yes it's an action film but it's different than what you're use to, which is why so many people disliked it. I can't explain it but it's just different and I'll admit, it did bother me too. The music does not fit the movie at all. I'm not sure what the director was trying to do here but 90% of the music was this weird 70's jazz music that you would find in a spy movie from that period. Whatever the case, it was annoying and sometimes took me out of the movie. These were really the only things that bothered me. I mean the director choose to shoot the movie in a variety of ways, some shots work, others don't, but it didn't bother me much. It might be off-putting to some of you though and that's one example in which I said earlier that this movie is different. It's not shot in a way your typical action movie is. So despite those problems I enjoyed everything else. The action is fantastic, it's very well choreographed. There's no music accompanying the action scenes which make them seem more realistic and thus, another example of how this is different from your typical action film. The story is nothing new, this is after all a revenge flick, but the director adds enough of his visual flair and fresh ideas to make this movie stand above your typical revenge flick. The cast is solid and for a first time performance Gina Carano was not bad. Was it a terrific performance? No, but she has potential. She would make a good Wonder Woman but that's just me. I hope she gets more roles because watching her kick ass was definitely worth the price of admission. The other person worth noting is Channing Tatum. This has been a good year for him in both in terms of box office and career. Now, I haven't seen The Vow and I don't have any intentions of seeing it anytime soon, but he has definitely reversed my opinion of him. With this, 21 Jump Street, and Magic Mike, I can't believe I'm saying this but, he can act. I hope now he decides to pick smart scripts and make smart choices because he has finally proven(it's been like what 6 years?) that he's got the chops. Overall, a nice surprise since normally January is considered a dumping ground as a majority of the films are Hollywood rejects. This is another great movie from a great director who has been having a good year himself with this, Magic Mike, and last year's Contagion, he's slowly becoming one of my favorite directors. Sure this movie is very different, the music doesn't fit it at all, there's no music during the fight scenes, and some of the shots work better than others. However, the action is nice choreographed a nice-shot, no shaky-cam, the cast gives solid performances and how could you not find Gina Carano kicking ass not exciting or hot?… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

chugheadJun 5, 2012

Hell has no fury like a woman scorned! Haywire is sweet eye-candy for MMA fighting fans. This female may be the next Bruce Lee for lady fans. She's in control and commands the screen when she battle's. If Gina Corano can turn men on with herHell has no fury like a woman scorned! Haywire is sweet eye-candy for MMA fighting fans. This female may be the next Bruce Lee for lady fans. She's in control and commands the screen when she battle's. If Gina Corano can turn men on with her sexy brawling style, then she may be around as long as Mila Jovovich and replace her. Women will love her defeating a man's world. Soderbergh direction copy Ocean 12 and Bourne… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

amiee1May 9, 2012

Gina Carino really holds her own as the only female character, delivering a solid performance

http://pricerunner.co.uk/switched-on-tech/article/female-species-more-deadly-male

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

KeanosMagicHatNov 2, 2012

This is a thoroughly decent movie. Yes Ms. Carano is a little wooden in rare moments, but there is a good supporting cast. The music gives it a retro/throwback vibe, cinematography in some shots is beautiful and the action has a real earthyThis is a thoroughly decent movie. Yes Ms. Carano is a little wooden in rare moments, but there is a good supporting cast. The music gives it a retro/throwback vibe, cinematography in some shots is beautiful and the action has a real earthy feel to it. The fact that the lead is a kick ass woman also does not hurt.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

SeriosityNov 4, 2012

Soderbergh films always look great. The action sequences are so clean, it puts to shame many action movies of today. Carano isn't going to win an oscar for her performance but she kicks a lot of ass and did her own stunts, and that is whatSoderbergh films always look great. The action sequences are so clean, it puts to shame many action movies of today. Carano isn't going to win an oscar for her performance but she kicks a lot of ass and did her own stunts, and that is what was required of her. Fassbender is great as always in a limited role.… Expand

8 of 9 users found this helpful81

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7

MarcDoyleJan 22, 2012

I enjoyed the film for what it is - a vehicle to show off Carano's ass-kicking abilities - just like many movies (see: Jeff Speakman is "The Perfect Weapon") have done before. I take issue with Lisa Schwarzbaum's "calling foul" upon seeingI enjoyed the film for what it is - a vehicle to show off Carano's ass-kicking abilities - just like many movies (see: Jeff Speakman is "The Perfect Weapon") have done before. I take issue with Lisa Schwarzbaum's "calling foul" upon seeing Channing Tatum beat up on Carano at the outset of the film. So it's OK for movies to show women beaten, belittled, raped, and tortured - so long as they don't fight back?? How is this movie "depressing" for a pro-woman audience? I loved seeing Mallory Kane beat the living hell out of the guys with a force and kinetic energy that you rarely see presented on screen - even from men. It's the difference between how an object reacts when it by a 38 caliber round and a 44 cal round. The 44 doesn't just penetrate - it knocks you down. So does a full-bodied Carano kick. Is the acting uniformly top shelf? Is there character development Hell no. Did I have fun with this movie? Of course.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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9

PicataviJan 21, 2012

The four of us who went together to see Haywire thoroughly enjoyed it. It's an action movie with a common, simplistic plot, but it stands out from the usual fare with its different approach to filming and sound. Gina Carano is terrific. TheThe four of us who went together to see Haywire thoroughly enjoyed it. It's an action movie with a common, simplistic plot, but it stands out from the usual fare with its different approach to filming and sound. Gina Carano is terrific. The fact that she did her own stunts lent realism to the film, unlike so many action films that are so outlandishly over the top. Admittedly, it was confusing at first, but it came together as the movie progressed. A very entertaining action film which seemed a bit more grounded in reality than most.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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8

iamtrent424May 13, 2012

Very boring movie but it is still a little bit interested. I love seeing Gina kick some ass in this movie. This movie was very disappointed. A very slow pace action movie. I did fall asleep on it. The fighting scenes with Gina did wake me up.Very boring movie but it is still a little bit interested. I love seeing Gina kick some ass in this movie. This movie was very disappointed. A very slow pace action movie. I did fall asleep on it. The fighting scenes with Gina did wake me up. The plot in the story was decent and good directing. I wouldnt suggest this movie to any one.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

BadMovieLoverFeb 4, 2012

I LOVE a good ass-kicking movie. It can even be a fairly bad movie from the story perspective, as long as the action is tight! Itâ

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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10

ProfLeGutJan 22, 2012

Yes, the story of a professional killer (ok, her mission was to rescue someone but deep down she's an assassin) who must get even with colleagues who have double crossed her/him is nothing new but this film just does this with brilliantYes, the story of a professional killer (ok, her mission was to rescue someone but deep down she's an assassin) who must get even with colleagues who have double crossed her/him is nothing new but this film just does this with brilliant flair. Gina Carano's performance, Steven Soderburgh's direction and David Holmes music all add up to a perfectly executed piece of entertainment. While completely different in so many ways, this film is equally ranked alongside 'The Artist' as my top films so far of 2012.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

hoops2448Jan 25, 2012

Haywire is not just a great action film; its a great film as it acts as a callback to classic 60s spy thrillers while injecting a modern mentality thanks to some truly breath-taking fight scenes and car chases. Haywire is a strange amalgam ofHaywire is not just a great action film; its a great film as it acts as a callback to classic 60s spy thrillers while injecting a modern mentality thanks to some truly breath-taking fight scenes and car chases. Haywire is a strange amalgam of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and The Bourne Series as it portrays a woman who isnt afraid to throw down but can and will use her intelligence to get her out of a situation or solve a puzzle. The film follows Mallory, a freelance special ops agent as she is framed for something she didnt do and is forced to go on the run and figure out who set her up and why. The film opening scene sets the tone for the rest of the film with a tension and intelligence that is quite unique. The film revels in its brutality but it is never over the top with Haywire still feeling light on action in comparison to modern action films. Its the scenes where she is not engaging in fisticuffs that bring the film to life. Soderbergh manages to ratchet up the tension while maintaining the slick pace and feel of the film. There is a wonderful sense of paranoia running through the film that further emphasises the cold war mentality that Soderbergh is going for with everyone acting as a suspect in the overall conspiracy. The constant questioning of the men we are presented as they interact with Mallory provides for some really great scenes, especially the scenes she shares with Channing Tatum and Michael Fassbender. Carano brings not just physicality to the role (she did all her own stunts and is a trained mixed martial artist) but also sexuality as she toys with the people she meets. Her interaction (as mentioned above) with Tatum and Fassbender is particularly great as she has great chemistry with both of them and it provides a lightness to the scenes that was sorely needed. Gina Carano may not be an Oscar worthy actor but she is a dynamic lead and provides a great screen presence . The rest of the supporting cast work well too with Michael Douglas and Antonio Banderas providing some much needed gravitas. The only person who disappoints is Ewan Mcgregor who seems to rely a little too much on charm as he coasts through the movie. The chase scene in Dublin is some of the finest direction in an action film as it plays on not only Mallorys paranoia but also the viewers. The script isnt brilliant but if anything it does properly bring out Mallorys stoic nature while also showing off her intelligence and sexuality. Its a wonderful character to follow and its surprising (and welcome) to see such a character played by someone other than Angelina Jolie. Haywire is a wonderful film thanks to some ingenious direction by Steven Soderbergh, a great supporting cast and a multi-faceted lead in Gina Carano.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

PyschOutBabyJan 24, 2012

Finally a woman who actually knows how to throw a punch instead of crappy fighters like Jolie. Corano is hot and able to kick most guys asses. I would like to see her do more.

12 of 28 users found this helpful1216

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10

Coolguy45Jan 20, 2012

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A fantastic movie the acting is great. A great action thriller with an end that is very odd and opens up for a sequel the movie in my mind will be the most undeasted movie of the year but Gina Carrono for her first big role was great the best person in the entire movie. I say see it or you'll be missing out on one of the best movies that know one will see so see it ****… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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10

SoulshockJan 24, 2012

Basically everyone who gave this movie a bad review is brainwashed by Hollywood. Probably people who liked Mall Cop or something, and people who don't like seeing women kicking ass. If you want to leave the theatre satisfied and thinking "WowBasically everyone who gave this movie a bad review is brainwashed by Hollywood. Probably people who liked Mall Cop or something, and people who don't like seeing women kicking ass. If you want to leave the theatre satisfied and thinking "Wow I just saw a really good movie", go see it. It's a totally unconventional action movie, simply great. It feels 'realistic' in a human condition.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

movieboyApr 19, 2012

Brilliant. Regular action heads might be confused by Sonderburgh's arty approach. But there's always a hackneyed Van Damme B flick for them in the wings. Must admit I was a little confused by the plot twists and turns sometimes, butBrilliant. Regular action heads might be confused by Sonderburgh's arty approach. But there's always a hackneyed Van Damme B flick for them in the wings. Must admit I was a little confused by the plot twists and turns sometimes, but throughtly enjoyed it from beginning to its cool close. Talk about edge of the seat, tense action driven by a hip soundtrack. Super cast and had no problem with Gina Carano as a smart heroine rooting out corruption.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

morgansageJan 28, 2012

Saw the movie and wasn't expecting much due to the reviews on meta. But I have to say Gina Carano was great as the lead - the action was great, the stunts were as you would expect --- really well done and realistic. She fit the roleSaw the movie and wasn't expecting much due to the reviews on meta. But I have to say Gina Carano was great as the lead - the action was great, the stunts were as you would expect --- really well done and realistic. She fit the role perfectly vs. an angela jolie type who looks breakable from one punch. It was a strong move to cast her in this role. All of us thought she has a big career infront of her. It's definitely a different type of action film, from look and feel, to plot structure vs. traditional action films. The plot keeps you guessing for awhile as you try to put the pieces together. At the end you really have to start paying attention. A fun movie definitely better than a Mission Impossible to me and really refreshing to see some action like that.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

HighwayUKJun 1, 2012

Before watching this I'd never heard of it nor the lead actress, so wasn't expecting much from it... and then I was totally blown away by the fight scene realism and a decent story to boot... One of the best female action movies I've seen inBefore watching this I'd never heard of it nor the lead actress, so wasn't expecting much from it... and then I was totally blown away by the fight scene realism and a decent story to boot... One of the best female action movies I've seen in a very long time that didn't rely on stupid CGI and wires to pull off the choreography… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

Autopsy904Jun 14, 2021

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0 of 5 users found this helpful05

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7

pete409Jan 23, 2012

Just got home from seeing this movie. It's a slow time for movies, and there wasn't much else out there worth seeing. This got good reviews, so I though I'd try it. The cinematography was excellent, the music and sound effects wereJust got home from seeing this movie. It's a slow time for movies, and there wasn't much else out there worth seeing. This got good reviews, so I though I'd try it. The cinematography was excellent, the music and sound effects were terrific as well. Sure, it was an effort to follow the actual story, but that made me pay attention. If I wanted mind numbing dumb action I would have seen Underworld. But overall, a pretty good movie for those of us who still have attention spans in this day and age.… Expand