Movies that Deserved Better: 'Hazard' (2024)

         On May 10, 2024, 'Hazard' was released by Samuel Goldwyn Films, receiving rave reviews from critics as it currently holds at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. In the film, "Noah really loves his girlfriend, his daughter, and his car, but he gets involved in a deadly driving job that will result in either losing his life, his family or his beloved car." The ensemble cast includes Frank Lammers, Gene Bervoets, Jennifer Heylen, Jeroen Perceval, and Monic Hendrickx. Read the full review round-up for this little known gem.

Photo Courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films

       Matt Donato of Slashfilm notes, "H4Z4RD" distances itself from modern action entertainment because there are no boundaries that Govaerts' film is afraid to soar over, like the Duke boys taking flight. A botched suburban robbery leads to gory animal attacks, grenade explosions, hardcore Mechanophilia, and you'll see that "Titane" ain't got nothing on "H4ZARD." As greasy lackeys with Hitler mustaches meet appropriate violence and Noah donut-turns on dimes to avoid pursuers, Haaga's midnighter sensibilities keep audiences entranced by a grab-bag of sequences that challenge what we believe could happen next. Noah's hardly contained to the rules of the road as he chases Gecko drug pushers through crowded parks, up elevators, and down walkway tunnels. There's an overall jaw-slack absurdity to it all, accompanied by excitement that defies speed limits. From psychedelic dope hallucinations that turn basketballs into cartoon creatures to lady assassins blasting pistol rounds through Noah's exterior, "H4Z4RD" loves being an action flick that has to navigate its automotive focus."

        Bobby LePire of Film Threat writes, "H4z4rd is a modern-day Crank: high octane, all style, flashy direction, and editing with plenty of exciting action and humor peppered in along the way. This is a purely cinematic experience as it cannot be replicated in any other medium and still have the same impact. And that’s why the film is so awesome.The plot is nothing that new. A person gets in over their head with the wrong crowd, who demand certain things back. This puts loved ones in danger. But Govaerts’s style is slick and fun, offering a fresh take on old material. Plus, the dialogue is often very witty. A lady confuses Noah for Carlos, as she hasn’t seen them in years. But she vividly recalls the two being hellions as young kids. Apparently, not much has changed. The trip sequence from Carlos’ perspective, in the middle of a car chase, adds the right amount of humor to the extremely impressive stunts and vehicular mayhem on display. It’s fun, funny, exciting, and just plain cool."

      Nathaniel Muir of AIPT says, "H4Z4RD is filled with hilarious moments that run the gamut from Carlos dropping profanity laced bars to a joke about a hook that comes out of nowhere. The comedy fits in perfectly with the rest of the story, as it as wild as the action. Ridiculously fun."