Latest news with #Havoc
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix just added a remarkable mystery movie with Nicolas Cage — and it's already crashed the top 10
Nicolas Cage is one of the most exciting actors currently working in Hollywood. After a string of direct-to-DVD duds in the 2000s, he's enjoyed a career resurgence over the past decade, opting to pick some very interesting projects that showcase his immense talent and acting range. One such example is 2021's 'Pig,' a powerful mystery drama that sees Cage play a reclusive man kept company by his pet pig. But when unseen thieves take his pig in the dead of night, the man becomes obsessed with getting his sow back at just about any cost. Yes, it's a slightly strange premise for a movie. This unquestionably odd, but seriously impactful, movie recently landed on Netflix U.S., and it didn't take long to make an impression. 'Pig' has rocketed its way into the streaming service's top 10 list, currently ranked in the No. 4 spot ahead of Netflix original comedy 'Nonnas' and the divisive action-thriller 'Havoc.' Certainly not a bad result for this swine. If 'Nic Cage searches for his missing pig' isn't enough of a hook to sell you on streaming 'Pig' on the spot, and you need a little more convincing that this drama is worth your precious movie-watching time, here's the full scoop. Former big city chef, Rob (Nicolas Cage), now lives a simple life as a truffle-forager in the forests of Oregon. His only company, aside from the young supplier (Alex Wolff) who buys his produce every week, is his prized pig. The hog is basically his closest thing to family. Rob's peaceful existence is thrown into turmoil when unknown assailants steal his pig in the dead of night. What follows is an unfolding mystery as Rob desperately searches for his beloved animal. The hunt for answers forces him to return to the scene of his past and grapple with his trauma. But most of all, Rob wants his pig back, and over the course of the movie's trim 92-minute runtime, you'll see that the hermit is willing to go to pretty much any lengths to get it back. I'll admit when I first heard about 'Pig,' I expected a 'John Wick' style movie that would see Cage play a revenge-fueled figure on a rampage. The movie's frequent misclassification as a thriller didn't help on this front. Instead, what I got was something a lot more reflective. 'Pig' is a slowly unfolding mystery that sees Rob, with young supplier Amir (Wolff) dragged along for the ride, visit various spots around Portland hunting for any scraps of information about the missing pig. Each new place they visit doesn't just add a new puzzle piece to the mystery, but slowly peels back the curtain as viewers learn of Rob's traumatic past. The quest for the missing pig is compelling enough to drive you through the credits, but the real draw of the movie comes in its leading man. Nicolas Cage has put in some stunning performances in recent years, with 2023's 'Dream Scenario' a personal favorite of mine, but 'Pig' might just be his best work since his Oscar-winning turn in 1995's 'Leaving Las Vegas.' Yes, Cage is that darn good in 'Pig.' His character is a wounded soul, but also somebody who has found solace living off the grid. Free from the pitfalls of the big city, Rob lives a peaceful existence with his pig by his side. Right from the jump, Cage brings a textured quality to Rob, and as each new layer of his backstory is peeled back, the character only becomes richer. 'Pig' is slower paced than you might expect. I can't overstate enough that this isn't an adrenaline-pumping revenge movie, instead, it's a more reflective experience. However, the movie doesn't drag for a moment, because its lead character is so compelling and his slowly unfurling trauma is so impactful, and frankly, because you really will want to see him reunited with his pet pig. By the end, don't be surprised if you find yourself sobbing over this stolen sow. 'Pig' is one of those movies that aims to draw you in with its slightly silly premise, but underneath, it offers so much more than mere novelty. Beyond the intrigue of Nicolas Cage hunting down a missing pig, there's real soul to be found in this drama. You'll come for the kooky plot, but stay for the emotional pay-off. I'm certainly not the only one who has found a lot to appreciate about this pig either. 'Pig' holds a near-perfect 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is enough to earn a 'Certified Fresh' seal of approval. Plus, its audience score is also pretty strong at 83%. However, some viewers were left a little bewildered by the movie's somber tone and slower pace. 'Like the animal itself, 'Pig' defies the hogwash of expectations with a beautiful odyssey of loss and love anchored by Nicolas Cage's affectingly raw performance,' reads Rotten Tomatoes' 'Critics Consensus,' and I echo this assessment. 'Pig' offers a lot more than you might expect. I'm glad to see more people discovering this impactful flick now that it's arrived on Netflix, and while I suspect it won't be to every subscriber's taste, Cage's powerhouse performance is reason enough to give it a chance. But, prepare yourself for a ride that will put you through the emotional wringer. Looking for something a little less heavy to enjoy this week? Here's a roundup of the best movies leaving Netflix this month that you need to stream before they're removed from the platform's library. Watch "Pig" on Netflix now
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I've been waiting 4 years for Netflix's new action-thriller with Tom Hardy — and it's the best original movie of 2025 so far
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. 1,475 days. That's how long I've been waiting for 'Havoc' to arrive on Netflix. Or put another way, that's 2,124,000 minutes, which is enough time to watch last year's butt-numbingly long 'The Brutalist' more than 9,879 times. Back in April 2021, I wrote on this very website that 'Havoc' would likely release 'in a year or so.' My movie math was clearly way off because four years later, Netflix finally dropped the Gareth Evans-directed action-thriller movie, and it's now streaming for all. Having watched the Tom Hardy-starring adrenaline-booster, I can confirm it was more than worth the wait. While 'Havoc' may not quite be of the same gold standard of Evans' 'The Raid' franchise (to note, 'The Raid 2' is my favorite action movie ever), this deliriously entertaining, and deliciously pulpy, actioner is Netflix's best original movie in flippin' ages. Its messy narrative holds it back from true greatness, but when the punches start flowing and the bullets rain down from all angles, 'Havoc' offers a level of cinematic excitement that very few action movies can match. It's a new Netflix movie that doesn't just request your immediate attention, it positively demands it with all the force of a high-caliber round. I'll cut straight to the bone here, when it comes to 'Havoc,' it's the jaw-dropping action sequences that make this action-thriller merit a viewing. Remember that epic nightclub scene in the first 'John Wick' movie? 'Havoc's' showdown on a dingy disco dance floor makes Mr. Wick's look like a friendly tussle between old pals. Gareth Evans has always had a masterful talent for crafting blisteringly beautiful on-screen carnage (again, see 'The Raid' movies as evidence), and with 'Havoc,' he conducts a symphony of brutality. Oh, don't get me wrong, this is one brutal movie, but it's also admirable in its commitment to so much chaos. For action movie fans, it's dream stuff. 'Havoc' balances multiple combatants, an entire arsenal of weaponry and even separate locations seamlessly. Its action sequences aren't presented in single-shot format, but they flow so well they almost feel like it. And just when you think 'It'll never top that moment,' another bone-crushing hit comes along and surpasses it. Time after time after time. It's a rare movie where, watching alone in my home office, I actually audibly guffawed at the sheer brilliance of some of the savage kills. Of course, I also winced a whole bunch, but that's all part of the Evans package. I wouldn't say 'Havoc' contains his best fight scenes, but it's perhaps his most consistent movie, with each one of a high baseline quality. From a slick opening car chase (bar some ropey CGI in spots) to the grand finale — a snowy shoot-out that proves there are innumerable angles to shoot from — 'Havoc' doesn't for a second let up across its breezy runtime. It makes 1 hour 50 minutes feel like barely 90. OK, let's backup a moment, because at this point, you might be thinking, what is 'Havoc' actually about? The elevator pitch is pretty snappy: Tom Hardy plays a homicide detective named Walker with a very chequered past, and the scars to show for it. On a mission to locate a corrupt politician's son, he finds himself squaring off against just about everybody as he carves his way through the criminal underworld and unearths various dark conspiracies. While 'Havoc' is never for a moment boring, and wisely never gets too bogged down in the minutiae of its narrative, things do get a little messy. So many competing factions and powerful players are brought to the table that it starts to feel like that spoof scene from 'Anchorman' where groups of news crew combatants keep appearing one after another. The unnamed American city where 'Havoc' is set also has a strange, but appealing, Gotham City-like quality about it. There's even a mayoral candidate promising to 'clean up' the place. In fact, the opening car chase scene has big 'The Batman' energy. The streets of this location don't feel plausible (or even located within North America, most of the movie was shot in Wales), but this setting straight out of a comic book only adds to 'Havoc's' overall heightened tone. I wouldn't ever want to live on the blocks Walker calls home, but I had a wonderfully thrilling time visiting them for an evening. As for Hardy, while Walker isn't a role that exactly challenges the English actor, I'm just thrilled to see him back in a quality movie. Bar a supporting turn in last year's underwatched 'The Bikeriders,' it's been almost a decade since Hardy starred in a movie that I would consider unequivocally good. (I did not like the 'Venom' trilogy. Not at all.) Hardy does channel a little bit of his performance as Eddie Brock in 'Havoc,' but Walker is significantly toned down, and with Brock's alien symbiote pal and exaggerated ticks shaved off, we're left with some great deadpan delivery and a character with some actual appeal. Which isn't to say that Walker is a hero. He's hiding some real skeletons in his closet. The closest thing to a virtuous protagonist we get is Jessie Mei Li's Ellie, a naive beat cop roped into Walker's world, and simply trying to stay afloat. She adds just the right amount of heart. Closing out the core cast are Forest Whitaker as the aforementioned politician, and Timothy Olyphant as a police officer who is (intentionally) detestable from minute one. Olyphant has a few solid moments and gets a starring part in the frenetic nightclub brawl, but I wish Whitaker were given more to work with. He's solid but does feel the most wasted of the cast. 'Havoc' is pretty much everything I wanted it to be. While I would have liked either a more constrained story (a la 'The Raid') or a longer runtime to flesh out the rival forces enough for each to feel distinct (a la 'The Raid 2'), when the flick builds up a head of steam, this minior quibble fades into the background and the cacophony of violence captures your attention. I've no doubt that Netflix subscribers are going to eat up this new original movie with gusto, and its future No. 1 position is already secured. I've already written about this year's crop of streaming originals being more than a little underwhelming, but 'Havoc' is the real deal: a relentlessly energetic, impeccably crafted action-thriller that hums with confidence. Watch "Havoc" on Netflix now "Havoc" has incredible moments, but I was left wanting more 5 Netflix movies and shows you (probably) haven't watched Netflix's new subtitle feature just made streaming easier
Tom's Guide
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix has racked up 15 No. 1 movies in 2025 so far — here's the 3 worth watching
Being ranked as the No. 1 movie on Netflix might not be as prestigious as winning Best Picture at the Oscars, but it's still a sign that a film has managed to draw the attention (and viewing hours) of millions of subscribers to the world's biggest streaming service. To date in 2025, 15 movies have managed to ascend to the top of the Netflix top 10 list (per Netflix's tracking data). While it's perhaps not a vintage collection, with several skippable efforts like 'Kinda Pregnant' and 'iHostage' wearing the crown for a period, there has been a handful of flicks worthy of the top spot. Below, I'm picking out the trio I think are most deserving of a place in your Netflix watchlist. If you missed any of these movies when they were ranked No. 1 on the platform, now is the time to circle back and give them a stream. I'm starting my picks with 'To Catch a Killer,' a 2023 thriller that enjoyed a surprise renaissance on Netflix this year. While it follows a cookie-cutter detective thriller blueprint, the mystery at its core is engaging enough, and the violent opening sequence, which sees a sniper begin shooting innocent targets from a rooftop, is pretty startling. The movie stars Shailene Woodley as a Baltimore beat cop named Eleanor. Grappling with a troubled past, Eleanor has an uncanny knack for spotting hidden clues others often miss, but her personal demons threaten to bubble to the surface and could put the hunt for the bloodthirsty killer in jeopardy. Ben Mendelsohn plays the head of the FBI task force in charge of the manhunt, and enjoys some strong (and heated) exchanges with Woodley. While the narrative conventions are pretty predictable, 'To Catch a Killer' is a well-produced take on a formula that never goes out of fashion. Watch on Netflix now I'm bracing myself for the angry comments to this selection already. I wrote about how much I enjoyed Gareth Evans' 'Havoc" last month, and let's just say the reader response was … fierce. While this grimdark action-thriller has endured a pretty torrid reception from many viewers (It holds a poor 37% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes), its frantic and extremely brutal fight scenes really worked for me. Evans, director of the 'The Raid' movies, is one of the best in the business when it comes to cinematic carnage, and I loved his latest slice of ultra-action. I also enjoyed seeing Tom Hardy in a very watchable movie again, as I've been largely unimpressed with his recent roles. However, I can't deny that his character of Walker, a bruised and hardboiled detective, doesn't exactly stand out as all that memorable. If you're looking for narrative depth, you won't find it in 'Havoc.' The movie's plot is overstuffed with far too many criminal players involved and it's all told in a needlessly convoluted way. But if you want to see stunning action choreography and plenty of intense shoot-outs that will get your adrenaline pumping, 'Havoc' is a Netflix original movie that few can measure up to. Watch on Netflix now Switching gear quite dramatically from nightclub brawls to the joys of a home-cooked meal, 'Nonnas' is a Netflix movie that is simply nice. There's no better word for it. Yes, 'nice' is not perhaps the most gushing of compliments, but 'Nonnas' is a simple movie, and it achieves its modest objective without any unnecessary fuss. It's the perfect lazy Sunday watch, and will have you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. It may have unambitious aims, but it succeeds all the same. The comedy-drama centers on Joe Scaravella (Vince Vaughn), a Brooklyn native who decides to open a restaurant on Staten Island. So far, so normal. The culinary twist is that his eatery is staffed by grandmothers (or nonnas), cooking recipes passed down across generations. Inspired by a heartwarming true story, 'Nonnas' is a celebration of family bonds and the people and heritage that make us who we are. Plus, with Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Linda Cardellini and Joe Manganiello in supporting roles, it packs an extremely likeable cast of characters. Watch on Netflix now
Malay Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
From Texas to Kedah: Malaysian rapper Zamaera gears up for national ‘Epiphany Tour' after SXSW high
KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Malaysian singer-songwriter Zamaera is back in the country and she's hungrier than ever. The 29-year-old from Subang Jaya, Selangor is riding high after making her debut at not one, but three showcases at SXSW 2025 in March. SXSW, or South by Southwest, is a renowned annual festival and conference in Texas, the United States, celebrating the intersection of music, film, interactive media and education that has been running since 1987, drawing global creatives and industry players each year. Now, building on the momentum from her SXSW appearances – and fuelled by a last-minute cancellation of her Japan tour – Zamaera has her eyes locked firmly on the future. But before we look ahead, here's a quick rewind on the rapper behind the single 'Z vs Z' Zamaera was previously featured on Joe Flizzow's acclaimed album 'Havoc' in the track 'Aku Tak Kenalmu'. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Zamaera, whose full name is Sharifah Zamaera Syed Zafilen Al Edros, began her journey in the local entertainment industry at nine years old, transitioning from TV hosting to becoming one of Malaysia's prominent female rappers. Early in her career, she was featured on Joe Flizzow's 2013 Havoc album in the track 'Aku Tak Kenalmu'. She later emerged as runner-up in the 2016 Red Bull Blend Cypher, standing out as the only female competitor. She officially debuted as a solo rapper in 2017 with her single 'Helly Kelly', and has since continued to break boundaries. She was the first artiste to headline a hip-hop show at the prestigious Istana Budaya during the 2020 Asean-Korean Music Festival (AKMF Round). In 2023, she launched Queendom Fest through her company Mean Malaya Entertainment. The event, Malaysia's first all-female music festival, featured acts such as Dolla, Hullera, and The Impatient Sisters. In 2021, she parted ways with US indie label Lakefront Records and has since been moving independently, with Mean Malaya now at the core of her creative journey. SXSW debut Performing at SXSW had always been a dream for Zamaera and in March, it became a reality. Over two days, she took the stage at three showcases: Taiwan Beats Day Party, Women in Music Canada, and Sounds of SEA (South-east Asia), the latter spearheaded by Malaysian music advocate Arin Sharnaz Rashdi of Tala Records Asia. She secured her spot at the renowned festival after applying through SXSW's official platform in September 2024 – just days before the deadline, and received confirmation two months later. 'I was celebrating a friend's birthday when I got the email, we were jumping up and down,' Zamaera said. 'I immediately called my family. My parents have always been a huge part of my journey. I had to tell them first.' That excitement translated into her performances, where her opening act at the Taiwan Beats Day Party drew nearly 170 people out of a 200-capacity venue. 'That showcase really set the tone for the whole trip. Because of it, people came to the next two shows,' she said. Her SXSW set featured her original songs, as well as remixes including a unique take on 'Ikan Kekek' by legendary singer Saloma. Beyond the stage, Zamaera also made industry connections, including with US producer Theron 'Neff-U' Feemster, known for working with Michael Jackson, Eminem, and Dr Dre. 'This time around, I didn't feel like a fish out of water,' she said. 'In 2018, everything was overwhelming – it was fast-paced, and I didn't know how to navigate. I was 23 then. I've grown since, especially in terms of mindset.' The Epiphany Tour Zamaera had planned an eight-city tour in Japan this April, including stops in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, but the trip was cancelled at the last minute due to organiser issues. Refusing to lose steam, she redirected her energy into a national six-state tour, dubbed The Epiphany Tour. The tour kicks off in Kedah, Penang and Perak from May 9 to May 11, followed by Melaka (May 14), Sabah (May 16), and Sarawak (May 17). She will wrap up the tour by headlining the Road to FAM (Future Asian Music) show at Over & Above Club in Kuala Lumpur on May 21. FAM is a collaboration between major record label 88rising and denim brand Levi's. Zamaera will be joined on tour by long-time producer and collaborator I-SKY, and will spotlight at least two local acts at each stop. For instance, Alor Setar audiences can catch DJ NZHN as the opening act. Fans can expect a refined version of her SXSW sets throughout the tour. This marks her second national tour, following a self-funded four-state tour in 2022. 'That first tour, I did it all on my own,' she said. 'I took the bus, set up my own shows, worked with each venue's DJ. The Epiphany Tour is a result of the relationships I've built since then.' The 'Epiphany Tour' is built on the experiences and connections Zamaera made during her 2022 tour. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Planning this time around has been smoother than expected, with support not only from guest artistes but also venue providers and local partners. The tour is officially supported by BYD Iroll EV, who are providing transportation for the journey. Looking forward, Zamaera hopes to see more 'plug-and-play' venues around Malaysia to support local creatives and boost the economy. She also encourages other local artistes to consider touring but stresses the importance of being financially prepared. 'My manager helped break down everything – venues, accommodation, transport, food, production – so we could really track expenses,' she said. 'Financial literacy is so important. I used to be scared of facing the numbers. But when you understand the cost, ticket sales, and audience size, you can plan properly.' Beyond her national tour, Zamaera is also finalising an Asia Tour, with plans to perform in six countries including Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. She is also set to perform at FAM 2025 in Bangkok this June.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Intense New Thriller Series Soars to #2 on Netflix (& the Trailer Alone Gave Me Chills)
Netflix has released so many binge-worthy thrillers this year that I've lost count. We've yet to reach the halfway mark in 2025, but the streaming service has already brought us nail-biting thrillers like iHostage, Havoc and Exterritorial, all of which dominated Netflix's top ten chart. And now, another must-see thriller series is making waves. If you've yet to glance at this week's top trending shows on Netflix, Secrets We Keep—which was released less than a week ago—currently sits at number two, surpassing titles like Forever, The Four Seasons, Bad Thoughts and Love, Death + Robots. In the Danish limited series, a young au pair suddenly disappears in a wealthy Copenhagen neighborhood, and Cecilie (Marie Bach Hansen), one of the residents, is determined to find out what happened when she suspects foul play. The premise was enough to make me look up the trailer and, all I can say is, I'll be watching this one tonight. The intense two-minute teaser shows Ruby (Donna Levkovski), the Filipino au pair, looking worried as she does the dishes. Just a few moments later, when she tells Cecilie that she needs help, Cecilie quickly declines and seemingly defends Ruby's boss. Not long after, Cecilie learns that Ruby has gone missing and decides to investigate, bringing some disturbing truths to light. Several critics are already raving about the crime thriller, which boasts a perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes, thanks to its deep themes and mystery elements. For instance, Joel Keller writes in Decider that it "doesn't try to distract viewers by sending them down too many dead ends, and tells a story about class, race and wealth in the process." Meanwhile, Collider's Samuel R. Murrian says it "explores similar thematic territory to this year's most zeitgeisty hits Adolescence and The White Lotus, and in some ways handles its dark material even better." Courtesy of Netflix Created by Ingeborg Topsøe, the cast includes Simon Sears, Lars Ranthe, Danica Curcic, Excel Busano and Frode Bilde Rønsholt. The six-part series was also directed by Per Fly and written by Ina Bruhn and Mads Tafdrup. You can now stream Secrets We Keep on Netflix. Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here. An Action-Packed Thriller Just Hit #1 on Netflix & I'm Definitely Watching Tonight
