I consider myself a fan of end-of-the-world stories! Harsh Times comes from writer and director David Ayer and features Christian Bale, Freddy Rodriguez, Eva Longoria, Chaka Forman, Tammy Trull, J.K. Simmons, and Michael Monks. The score is by Graeme Revell, with cinematography by Steve Mason. The film centers on Jim Luther Davis (Bale) and Mike Alonzo (Rodriguez), best friends in South Central Los Angeles, as they find themselves caught up in escalating violence that puts their future plans at risk. This was Ayer’s first time directing a movie, and given he also wrote Training Day, it's hard to avoid comparisons between the two – but maybe that’s alright? Bale delivers an intense performance as Jim Davis, a Gulf War veteran with scars both visible and otherwise, seemingly on a path of destruction. The question is whether he will drag his best friend down with him. The film largely revolves around Bale's powerful portrayal, which while exciting, overshadows the development of Rodriguez’s character, Lopez, creating an imbalance in the story. We see Davis and Alonzo getting into various messes, while their girlfriends wait for them to get their acts together. There are also sequences where Davis is haunted by nightmares from his time in the war, all while he's being pursued by Homeland Security after failing to join the LAPD. He’s convinced he should be working in security, if only he wasn't so prone to finding trouble. The violent action is quick and brutal, establishing this as a tough film with equally rough dialogue. However, it also incorporates dark humor, making it strangely enjoyable to watch Davis and his not-so-bright companion cause chaos. Eva Longoria’s character isn’t particularly well served by the script, but that's somewhat acceptable since the focus is on a friendship heading toward an inevitable confrontation. The payoff is satisfying and leaves you with something to think about once the excitement fades. 7.5/10

Source on TMDB