The movie based on the short based on a single gimmick. It was never going to be that great, let's be honest. Still, Hardcore Henry took the logical next step in video games and proved that a two-hour long cut scene without even quick-time events as interaction is interesting, but should never be repeated. Because, to be clear, that is exactly what this film is.

If anything, Hardcore Henry is a borderline parody, with consistent use of gaming clichés. The main character cannot speak, something that is explained loosely in the first few minutes, in an attempt (I guess) to increase "immersion". The plot is just a series of action sequences tied together by quick, to the point pieces of dialogue, always delivered by the same character, either in person or occasionally over the phone (a la GTA). Very little detail or background is ever divulged; Henry is told just enough to reach the next cut scene, nothing more.

Tim Roth aside, there aren't many faces here you'll recognise nor performances worth remembering. The recurring character has fun with the multiple personalities but beyond that we're still very much in the realm of video game cliches. The result is an interesting execution that should never be repeated, as its true worth is purely in being attempted, rather than achieved. Quite like a video game, then.