On January 20, 2012, Haywire was released in theatres grossing over 6 million dollars its opening weekend, but does not leave a lasting imporession.

Haywire, starring actors Channing Tatum and newcomer Gina Carano, follows the story of Mallory Kane, a former Marine turned freelance covert operative, who seeks revenge after she is betrayed and set up during a mission.

After what was supposed to be her last mission in Barcelona, Spain, Kane is swiftly sent on another mission to Dublin, Ireland except this mission goes sour rather quickly. Kane has been double crossed and finds herself using all of her skills and abilities in order to escape an international manhunt, protect her father, make it back to the United States and get revenge on those that have betrayed her.

It has been said that director Steven Soderbergh recruited the real life mixed martial arts fighter and former American Gladiator, Carano, to star in this espionage film.

Though Carano fits the part of a tough, “one of the boys” secret agent, her lack of acting skills showed on the silver screen. Her acting seemed very dry and unemotional, especially during a scene between Kane and Aaron (Tatum).  They were supposedly falling for one another, but it seemed awkward. Another awkward acting moment was when she was filled with rage at her former boyfriend and boss Kenneth, played by actor Ewan McGregor. Her monotone voice also contributed to the disappointment of her character.

Carano truly only shined when she was using her over the top MMA skills to throw down with other covert agents and protect hostages.

The film itself is slow paced and less than action packed. The so-called car chases and gun fights are less than intense and the MMA fighting gets old after the first three. Occasionally a scene will drag on too long, and the transitioning to the next scene is poorly edited. Haywire was one of the most anticipated movies of the New Year, but Soderbergh’s vision for an adrenaline rush, action packed movie wasn’t fulfilled. If he was looking to make a film with low budget quality and a puzzling storyline, he definitely succeeded.