‘Hardcore Henry’ Induces Hardcore Nausea

Ever want to be just like your favorite action movie heroes? Want to jump from rooftop to rooftop, fighting off villains with your bare fists and the highest machines of mass destruction? I haven’t, but apparently there is a market for this sort of thing.

“Hardcore Henry” hit theaters (no pun intended) on April 7, bringing a new form of entertainment to moviegoers across the nation. What makes “Hardcore Henry” unique is the way this film is shot — exclusively from the first person point of view, placing the audience in the shoes of the main character.You are the hero of “Hardcore Henry.” Rejoice film fans, now you too can pretend you are an action movie star.

Unfortunately, I walked out thirty minutes into this film. In all my seventeen years of filmgoing, I finally found my kryptonite. The first film ever that I physically could not finish.

“Hardcore Henry” is an incredible concept of a movie, executed poorly. The entire film, shot in the first person perspective, leaves the camera shaking, jerking, and moving around frantically. I felt absolutely sick to my stomach from motion sickness. Also, during intense action sequences I could not keep up with what was happening by the motion blur.

It is an amazing idea, and it is different to have a completely omnipotent, mute character. “Hardcore Henry” makes you experience firsthand the action seen through the main character’s eyes. It’s highly interactive, as characters speak directly to you, breaking the fourth wall.

But, again, the motion sickness is absolutely killer and makes “Hardcore Henry” nearly impossible to watch without your stomach churning.  So, after leaving the theater, I did what any logical person would do in this situation:

I went to see it again the next day.

I wasn’t going to let “Hardcore Henry” beat me. Trust me when I say this, I’ve seen movies much more incompetent. Remember the “Point Break” remake I reviewed earlier this year? Exactly. So I found myself back at the movies.

And to be completely honest with you, “Hardcore Henry” really isn’t that bad. Watching it a second time really made me appreciate the subtle humor, interactiveness, and just plain coolness of “Hardcore Henry.” Is it a perfect movie? No. Will you have a good time when watching it? Most likely.

My only complaint is the motion sickness from the constantly shaking camera. Personally, I feel “Hardcore Henry” would succeed best if it was a series of five minute shorts released each week. It’s great in small doses, but too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.

If this seems like your type of movie, give it a watch. It’s not the worst thing, but has it’s flaws. I’d say check it out for the gimmick, but that’s about it. I guarantee there will not be any more movies like “Hardcore Henry,” which for me, is a good thing.