Havoc unleashes contrived mess

AFTER a long hiatus following 2018's folk horror film Apostle, Gareth Evans returns to the world of crime and action with Havoc, a film that truly lives up to its name, for better or worse.
Evans, more popularly known for the cult favourite Indonesian martial arts duology The Raid and The Raid: Berandal from a decade ago, has shown that he is still at the top of the game when it comes to directing action flicks. However, his skill in taking on drama and writing have inexplicably fallen off hard.
A contrived mess, Havoc concerns a group of thieves led by Charlie Beaumont (Justin Cornwell) stealing washing machines before grievously injuring a narcotics detective following a lengthy vehicle pursuit.
In Evans' escalatingly convoluted story, Charlie's group tries to sell the drugs inside the washing machines to Tsui, the son of a powerful triad leader. This too goes awry, as a second group of antagonists with assault rifles and hockey masks show up, leading to Tsui and countless others dying.
Dirty homicide detective Patrick Walker (Tom Hardy) is then tasked by the mayoral candidate of Havoc 's unnamed American city, Lawrence (Forest Whitaker), to find Charlie – his estranged son – before the police and triad get to him.
No Raid revival in sight
Though Evans seems to have put The Raid franchise to bed, most of the writer-director's fans are still expecting some sort of follow-up to his Indonesian films, which many in movie circles agree started the modern renaissance for martial arts and action films – after 2011's The Raid, countless action films such as John Wick began to sprout up sharing the same DNA as Evans' films.
For anyone expecting Evans' latest to be a spiritual follow-up to The Raid, you can rest easy because Havoc is not that film. That is not to say the film is terrible, but it is as decent as a Netflix film can reasonably get.
It even feels wrong to put Havoc in the same sentence as The Raid, due to the film's meagre amount of action sequences. Having to stomach the bulk of the film just to savour the two or so slivers of Evans' signature style of action filmmaking is simply not worth it.
To make matters worse, they are not very long and are spaced far apart, while the best of the two occurs in the third act, taking place in a cabin as Hardy is put through a gauntlet of nameless goons that end with roughly 50 people beaten, knifed, slashed, harpooned and shot to death.
It is a great sequence – a final hurrah true to Evans' style that only slightly makes up for the rest of Havoc 's story involving generic dirty cops, witless robbers and personality-free crime families.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Star

5 hours ago

• The Star

Indonesia arrests 285 in drug crackdown and seizes over half a ton of narcotics

A number of suspected drug smugglers are presented to the media during a press conference at the Indonesian Customs Office in Jakarta, on Monday, June 23, 2025, following the uncovering of some 172 international drug smuggling cases from April to June 2025, with a total of 285 suspects arrested. - Photo by ADITYA IRAWAN / AFP JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP): Indonesian authorities said Monday they arrested 285 people suspected of drug trafficking, including 29 women and seven foreigners, and seized over half a ton of various narcotics during a two-monthlong nationwide crackdown. Indonesia is a major hub for drug trafficking in South-East Asia despite having strict drug laws, with convicted smugglers sometimes executed by firing squad. The head of the National Narcotic Agency, Marthinus Hukom, said the crackdown, launched between April and June across 20 provinces, also uncovered money laundering schemes by two drug syndicates and confiscated assets worth more than 26 billion rupiah (about $1.5 million). Thirty-six of the suspects, including 21 women, were paraded in front of reporters, along with confiscated drugs, in their orange prison uniforms and hands handcuffed. Hukom said the women arrested were mostly housewives. "I call on Indonesian women to be more vigilant in establishing friendships both in the real world and in cyberspace,' he said during a joint press conference with officials from the security affairs ministry and the customs office who took part in the operation. One of the agency's deputies, Budi Wibowo, said authorities seized 683,885 grams (0.68 ton) of crystal meth, marijuana, ecstasy, THC, hashish and amphetamines, adding this helped stop them falling into the hands of "more than 1.3 million people.' Wibowo also said that drug syndicates have used various methods to distribute narcotics to users via land and sea transportation or mail services. The seven foreign nationals were an American, two Kazakhs, two Malaysians, an Indian and an Australian, Wibowo said. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime says Indonesia is a major drug-smuggling hub in part because international drug syndicates target its young population. In a separate operation, authorities in the province of Riau Island, exposed in May two cases of drug smuggling in its waters and seized 2.7 tons of crystal methamphetamine and 1.2 tons of ketamine, Hukom said Monday. In 2023, authorities uncovered more than 52,000 of drug cases and confiscated 6.2 tons of crystal meth, 1.1 tons of marijuana and other types of synthetic narcotics, said Mochammad Hasan of the ministry of security affairs during the press conference. Hasan said the number increased in 2024 with more than 56,000 cases and confiscated 7.5 tons of crystal meth and 3.3 tons of marijuana, with a combine value worth 7.5 trillion rupiah ($454.6 million). Authorities have arrested a total of 27,357 drug suspects by November 2024, he said. Early this month, three British nationals accused of smuggling nearly a kilogram (over two pounds) of cocaine into Indonesia were charged in a court on the tourist island of Bali. They face the death penalty under the country's strict drug laws. About 530 people, including 96 foreigners, are on death row in Indonesia, mostly for drug-related crimes, the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections' data showed. Indonesia's last executions, of an Indonesian and three foreigners, were carried out in July 2016. - AP

Daily Express

6 hours ago

• Daily Express

Gretchene bares heartbreak in soulful new single 'Aku Bodoh'

Published on: Monday, June 23, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 23, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Sabah-born singer Gretchene Quirina has released her latest single Aku Bodoh , a melancholic pop ballad about unreciprocated love, regret, and the quiet strength of letting go. The song traces the emotional arc of a young woman who once believed in the sincerity of love, only to realise that the affection she received was not genuine. Upon facing the painful truth, the protagonist chooses to walk away despite her emotional wounds, capturing the bittersweet process of release and renewal. Aku Bodoh resonates deeply with listeners who have been through heartbreak and betrayal, offering a voice to those quietly piecing their hearts back together. The emotionally charged lyrics and haunting melody reflect vulnerability and resilience, delivered with Gretchene's signature vocal style that blends power with fragility. The song was penned by lyricists Ryenald Guntabid, Melakaboy, and while the arrangement and musical production were handled by respected regional producer Irwan Simanjuntak. Advertisement The music video, directed by Elvin Romeo with assistance from Ivan Hiew and edited by Al Hanafi Juhar, presents intimate visual storytelling set in domestic spaces once filled with promise but now tinged with sorrow. Each scene visually conveys the emotional aftermath of broken trust, from bedrooms that once offered comfort to living rooms filled with echoes of forgotten promises. Adding star power to the music video is Indonesian TikTok influencer Juansen, who plays the male lead and brings over 7.5 million followers into Gretchene's expanding audience reach. The launch of Aku Bodoh was accompanied by a special performance during Malam Galau Kinabalu: Gretchene & Friends , held on June 14 here. She shared the stage with fellow Sabahan artists Elica Paujin and Ryenald, as well as Indonesian ballad singer Mytha Lestari. Gretchene is also set to perform at the Hologram Glenn Fredly Concert in Kuala Lumpur on 18 July and will open for the renowned Indonesian band Nidji during their concert here in October. Her latest release is now available on all major digital streaming platforms and is poised to attract listeners both in Malaysia and Indonesia. Known to her fans as Chene, Gretchene has been active in music since 2018, though her love for singing began long before her first official appearance. She brings a unique blend of Sabahan heritage and contemporary ballad-pop to the Malaysian music landscape, making her a distinctive voice in the industry. Among her achievements are winning the Sugandoi Inanam in 2018, Sugandoi DBKK in 2022, and Sugandoi Penampang in 2024, where she also placed third nationally. Balancing academic commitments with her artistic pursuits, Gretchene remains dedicated to her musical journey and to sharing stories through song. She is signed under XIOKK Entertainment, a Sabah-based label that operates as a subsidiary of XENO Entertainment and was launched in 2024. XIOKK aims to develop local talent without requiring artists to relocate to the peninsula, nurturing homegrown singers like Gretchene, Ryenald, and the girl group SMDX. Aside from music production, XIOKK also functions as a talent agency representing Sabah-based influencers such as Calby Floresa, Clerice Olvia, and Andrea Roulin. With Aku Bodoh , XIOKK continues to showcase its commitment to producing compelling local talent for regional and international audiences. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

Hype Malaysia

6 hours ago

• Hype Malaysia

'K-Pop Demon Hunters' Review: Netflix's Animated Fantasy Slays!

At some point in human civilisation, we decided that the logical next step after 'K-pop idol' was 'demon slayer.' Maybe it was inevitable. After all, if you can survive a world tour, synchronized choreography, and the wrath of K-pop stans online, what's a little movie about hellspawn combat on the side? That's the pitch behind 'Kpop Demon Hunters', Netflix's glittery fever dream of an animated action comedy where stage makeup doubles as war paint. It's part girl group fantasy, part supernatural smackdown, and 100% chaos—in the best and occasionally weirdest ways. It sounds ridiculous—and it absolutely is—but somehow, it works. Mostly. So let's talk about what 'Kpop Demon Hunters' actually does with all that glitter and astral energy. To begin with, there's lore. Ancient, magical, girl-power lore. Long ago, three women fought off a wave of soul-devouring demons led by Gwi-Ma, the Demon King. Their voices, charged with raw emotion, formed a barrier called the Honmoon and sealed the underworld shut. Since then, each generation has passed the mic—and the monster-fighting duties—to a new trio of chosen idols. Wait, the power of music… And fighting demons… Hmm, that kinda seems familiar. Fast forward to today, that legacy lives on in Huntrix, the hottest girl group on the planet. They're your new favourite demon-slaying trio. And yes, it's time to pick your bias. Mira (May Hong) is the edgy rebel—rumour has it she once wore a sleeping bag to the Met Gala. Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), the Burbank-born rap goddess, delivers bars as sharp as her weapons. And Rumi (Arden Cho), the group's emotional centre, carries a tragic past and a secret even she barely understands. Naturally, we meet Huntrix in classic idol fashion: slurping down instant ramyeon en route to the grand finale of their world tour. The stadium is packed. Fans are screaming. Their manager, Bobby (Ken Jeong), is losing his mind. Why the delay? Their plane was hijacked by demons. Obvi. What follows is a mid-air brawl that sets the tone: kinetic, flashy, and choreographed to slay. The animation leans heavily into anime territory, with bold lines and stylised movement. If you've seen Riot's K/DA videos, the DNA feels familiar—and honestly, we were hyped! The girls crash into the arena, strike a pose, and launch into a high-energy performance while still swatting away the last of the demons. As far as entrances go? Ten out of ten. BLACKPINK might dap them up respectfully from the VIP box. However, beneath the glamour and glitter, something darker begins to stir. Rumi has always known about her demon blood. But Mira and Zoey don't. As her old marks resurface and her voice begins to falter, the pressure quietly builds. She's not just battling monsters on stage—she's battling herself. And if she can't hold it together, the group might fracture entirely. Meanwhile, a flashy new boy group enters the picture: the Saja Boys. Five flawless men. Perfect hair. Jawlines carved by the gods. And yes, they're demons too. In fact, their plan is simple: steal enough fan energy to collapse the Honmoon and unleash Gwi-Ma back into the world. With Huntrix faltering, the Saja Boys start to eclipse them completely. The world isn't just in danger—it's getting distracted by six-packs and the new 'gochujang sauces.' So, how are Rumi, Mira, and Zoey supposed to fight back against a group powered by shame, insecurity, and sheer thirst-trap energy? At its core, 'Kpop Demon Hunters' isn't just about vanquishing monsters—it's about confronting the ones you carry inside. The film explores shame, identity, and the fear that if people saw the 'real' you, they'd walk away. For Rumi, that fear is all-consuming. She believes that if she hides the truth, she can protect her group and her legacy. However, by bottling everything up, she's slowly silencing herself—literally. As a result, her voice begins to falter. Her greatest gift becomes her curse—not because of what she is, but because of how deeply she believes she shouldn't be. The film suggests that healing doesn't come from hiding or even from strength. Instead, it comes from vulnerability and trust. You have to share your whole, flawed self with the people who love you. So when the truth finally comes out—when Rumi's marks reappear and she can no longer pretend—it isn't just a dramatic reveal. It's devastation. Mira and Zoey feel betrayed, confused, and hurt. But that reaction makes it feel real. Because closeness isn't about always agreeing—it's about letting people into your pain and hoping they stay. The same inner turmoil plagues Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop), the heart of the Saja Boys. While the rest play their roles as flashy villains, Jinu carries a quiet ache. Long ago, he made a choice: he accepted Gwi-Ma's offer in exchange for a beautiful voice that could lift his family out of poverty. Yet once fame arrived, he abandoned them—and he's never stopped regretting it. Unlike Rumi, whose shame is about her origins, Jinu's shame stems from his actions. Still, both characters carry their pain in silence, convinced they're unworthy of forgiveness. And when they meet, it's not as enemies, but as kindred spirits. Rumi sees in Jinu the worst-case version of herself. In trusting him, she starts to heal. Their duet is 'Kpop Demon Hunters' most powerful scene. It's not about flash—it's about honesty. Two people, broken in different ways, letting their walls fall just long enough to feel whole again. For a film that's so kinetic and loud, this moment hits the hardest. Visually, 'Kpop Demon Hunters' slays. Sony Pictures Animation, the same studio behind the 'Spider-Verse' films, doesn't hold back. The colours are vivid. The action is dynamic. And the stylised music video sequences explode with flair. Each one becomes its surreal concert moment—think fight choreography meets comeback stage. For example, one MV-style battle features surreal lighting and shattered crystallised effects. As we said, it's pulled from the distinct K/DA style. And other moments are quite literally MVs. But they help tell the story in a cool, flashy way that helps to externalise a lot of the emotions that these characters are going through. And let's not forget the music, because 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' delivers more than just fight choreography and sparkly lore. The songs are genuine earworms, slipping seamlessly between fierce performance numbers and emotionally charged ballads. The Saja Boys' hit single 'Soda Pop' in particular? Completely unserious and somehow still a total bop. Yeah, it's gonna get stuck in our heads till it becomes annoying. Still, the film isn't flawless. The third act feels a bit rushed. Character threads that seemed crucial—like Rumi's relationship with her foster mother Celine—don't get the space they deserve. Their emotional fallout feels underdeveloped. We get hints of tension and disappointment, but no true resolution. It's a shame, because that dynamic had real potential. Likewise, the world-building has rich foundations, but doesn't fully land. The lore is fun but underexplored. The stakes feel huge, yet the showdown wraps up a little too neatly. After so much build-up, it ends with more style than substance. Honestly, we'd like the team behind this to maybe do a spinoff to explore more of it? Because there is stuff in there that does feel undercooked at times. Even so, the film's heart remains in the right place. 'Kpop Demon Hunters' is vibrant, sincere, and full of chaotic charm. It might be messy in places, but it also bursts with feeling. It's a celebration of identity, girlhood, fandom, and glitter bombs. And it understands that even idols, the ones who seem perfect, have demons to face. It's also worth noting that 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' marks another chapter in Sony Pictures Animation's growing slate of Asian-fronted stories. Following 'Over the Moon' and 'Wish Dragon', both vibrant, culturally grounded animated films also released via Netflix, this movie continues the studio's investment in diverse, emotionally resonant storytelling with global roots. It's heartening to see major animation players spotlighting Asian narratives not just as backdrops, but as central, dynamic forces in genre storytelling. For anyone who loves K-pop, anime, or the idea of your favourite artists wielding crystal blades, this one's for you. It may not be perfect, but like any good idol, it shines brightest when it's being unapologetically itself. 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' is currently slaying exclusively on Netflix. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.