Havoc is convoluted and often confusing but offers moments of action brilliance.

The Netflix original movie, released last week, is director Gareth Evans’ much-anticipated follow-up to pure action classics The Raid and The Raid 2. The surprise Indonesia-set hits confirmed Evans as one of the most exciting action directors of a generation, but his only other movie between The Raid 2 and Havoc was the gothic horror Apostle. Hopes were therefore high for Havoc as a potential return to form, but it only partially delivers.

Set in an unnamed city which is something of a cross between Los Angeles and Gotham, Havoc follows the story of a drug deal gone wrong. A powerful politician’s son is implicated in the gang-related killing, and a group of dirty cops on his payroll try to cover up the crime.

There are a few red herrings and subplots that have little to do with the overall story, which is frankly unimportant. Most of the dialogue is wooden and this is not a movie of great performances, which makes most of the first half feel relatively slow despite the action.

When Havoc kicks into gear with a nightclub fight scene that rivals John Wick’s however, Evans shows why his action choreography is so beloved. The frenetic fight is filmed with such dynamism that you cannot help but sit and wonder how it was all pulled off. It is the high point of the movie, which otherwise offers little more than glimpses of Evans’ action swagger.

As for the cast, Tom Hardy is suitably gruff as a cop hardened by corruption, but he does not really have much chance to show range while Timothy Olyphant and Forest Whitaker are the most recognisable supporting characters.

Watch Havoc for occasional action excellence but do not expect to be wowed by the rest of the movie.

Rated 18 for Violence and Language.

2.5/5.

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