Haywire

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I walked into Steven Soderbergh's Haywire.  Flaunting a highly respected cast and an intriguing newcomer in Gina Carano, my expectations were high for this unique and freshly crafted action thriller.  But things weren't quite what I expected.

In true Soderbergh fashion, Haywire laid off the heavy explosions, instead opting to craft the film around Carano and her MMA fighting style.  Her sequences were brilliantly choreographed and she surprisingly held her own amongst the likes of Ewan McGregor, Michael Angarano and Channing Tatum.  However, other than the fighting, Haywire left much to be desired.

The story itself is quite simple as Carano stars as Mallory Kane, a black ops super agent who is betrayed by her boss, and love interest, Kenneth.  In typical black ops fashion Mallory seeks revenge, attempting to right the wrong done unto her.  A cat and mouse game presumes as we are taken back and forth through time, witnessing the betrayal, the run, and the vengeful fight.

The film's central story drags quite often, making it seem like a much longer adventure than it actually is.  There are snippets of brilliance, especially when it comes to Carano and her no holds bar attitude; however, there just isn't enough of it to keep your attention throughout.

The uncertainty of all the characters gave the film a minor unpredictability level; however, by the half way point the course of action was cut quite clear.  It wasn't a bad experience, it just lacked that unique flair that Soderbergh is so well known for.