Code 8 Part II Review: Full of Action and with An Interesting Vision of Superpowers

Cast: Robbie Amell, Stephen Amell, Alex Mallari Jr.

Director: Jeff Chan

Streaming Platform: Netflix

Filmyhype.com Ratings: 3/5 (three stars)

As of February 28, Code 8 Part II is available on Netflix. It is the sequel to the 2019 sci-fi film starring cousins ​​Stephen and Robbie Amell. The story picks up where it left off, in a dystopian city where those with power are controlled or oppressed. The film saga came to life following a short film of the same name, made in 2016 by the Amell cousins. Jeff Chan directed both features. Below you will find the synopsis and trailer of the film: In a city where empowered people are subjected to scrutiny and oppression, a former criminal must turn to a drug lord he despises to protect a teenager from a corrupt cop.

The success of a film is due to many different elements, not least an unexpected and unwelcome global pandemic. This, specifically, was the case of the sci-fi Code 8 which, taking advantage of the closure of cinemas, experienced a particularly successful season thanks to Netflix streaming. Thus, having rightfully entered the top 10 in that long, unpleasant, and anomalous cinematographic season, he unconsciously built the foundations for the production of the second chapter, Code: Part II. Directed by Jeff Chan, this sequel has no way of being without the presence of Connor Reed, an ambivalent character torn between doing what is right and what is necessary, already played by Robbie Amell. Compared to the first film, however, in this case, the production managed to propose a particular film which, as we will see in our review of Code 8 Part II, moves within the atmosphere of a neo-noir contaminated by punk rock elements. All to propose a particularly gritty and well-defined science fiction setting.

Code 8 Part II Review: The Story Plot

The narrative picks up exactly five years after the events that saw Connor take on his responsibilities after his mother’s death by going to prison. In all this time, however, public opinion has begun to wonder if there is a way to stem and modify the use of brute force by the police. Especially towards those born with special abilities. People who are helped by Garrett with the not-so-clean profits of Psyke’s drug trade. The situation, therefore, seems to be even more confusing and complicated than the one faced by Connor years earlier. The boy, however, is determined to keep a low profile and once released from prison, starts working as a janitor in a school. His plans, however, are completely upset when he finds himself having to defend a girl who is trying to get justice for her brother’s death. An end that came, of course, at the hands of corrupt cops run by Sergeant King.

The girl’s name is Pav and Connor soon realizes how seriously his life is in danger for having witnessed the attempt to cover it all up. For this reason, therefore, he seems to have an absolute need for the protection of Garrett and, above all, of his gang equipped with special powers. At this point, the three have no choice but to survive the onslaught of King and the police department while searching for evidence that can expose King and the K9 program. What the film excels at is, without a doubt, the action. Throughout the plot, we see many dynamic scenes unfold, often enriched by special effects, which are never overused. Despite this, the narrative appears quite slow overall and there is a frequent sense of déja vu.

Code 8 Part II does not offer a particularly original story, nor does it tell it in a particular way. Jeff Chan proves once again that he knows how to build a coherent and well-structured film, very much in line with the dystopian science fiction genre. Although the style and cinematography of the Code 8 saga are quite recognizable, both films lack a trait that makes them unique. During the story, there are some twists and turns, but essentially the viewer struggles to keep their attention for the entire duration of the film, which is about an hour and 40 minutes. In the long run, the narrative mechanisms become quite predictable, as do the character developments. The protagonists, such as Connor Reed (Robbie Amell) and Garrett Kilton (Stephen Amell), have good potential, but their personalities certainly could have been developed more.

Code 8 Part II Review and Analysis

An element of great attraction is the presence of the Amell cousins, in the role of the protagonist characters. Both actors have achieved enormous fame in recent years, thanks to their participation in popular TV series. For eight years, until 2020, Stephen Amell held the starring role on The CW’s Arrow, playing the caped vigilante Oliver Queen. Robbie Amell, on the other hand, made himself known to the general public with Upload by Prime Video, from 2020. It is interesting to see the two actors acting alongside each other once again. Their characters often find themselves in conflict, and the scenes that see them in heated confrontations allow their harmony and acting ability to emerge. Overall, the Amell cousins ​​play their characters very believably.

Both Stephen and Robbie Amell have a background in the superhero genre. The first, as already mentioned, played the role of Green Arrow for a long time. The second in turn took part in the Arrowverse in the TV series The Flash, with the character of Ronnie Raymond/Firestorm. In this sense, the revisitation of superpowers proposed by Code 8 is interesting, underlined again in the sequel. Compared to the world of superheroes, the film offers a very dark vision of superpowers, which become a source of danger and social stigma for those who possess them. In general, Code 8 Part II is characterized by a great crudeness, a sort of disenchantment. This is one of the most recognizable brands in the film, although it certainly could have been used more. The main risk is that of repeating some situations and clichés from the first film. At the moment, the production of a possible third chapter is not confirmed, but a new, perhaps more innovative narrative could certainly be created starting from this nucleus.

Some film genres lend themselves more than others to highlighting themes that have little connection with their narrative forms. One of these, certainly, is the science fiction one which, based on the construction of an alternative reality, can develop infinite forms and just as many paths. It is not surprising, therefore, that the director Jeff Chan and the screenwriters Chris Pare, Sherren Lee, and Jesse LaVercombe decided to use a dystopian sci-fi to highlight particularly current elements such as the corruption of institutions and, above all, the community activism to address all illegal activities. Specifically, however, in this sequel, a step forward is taken compared to Code 8. People with powers, in fact, no longer seem to accept their double role as victims and executioners imposed on them by society and by the power of corrupt police. Rather, they become aware that the time has come to fight for their rights.

A theme of discovery and social conscience, which is certainly not new, but which manages to find its place within a hybrid narrative where science fiction is linked to noir. The only flaw compared to the first chapter is the absence of the adrenaline element. The race against time is completely put aside, preferring an evolution of the story based more on relationships and the representation of the surrounding world. The X-Men are the “imperfects” par excellence. At least for the society in which they desperately try to fit in and which, instead, rejects them. An aspect that has evidently influenced Jeff Chan and the world of Code 8. Indeed, Robbie and Stephen Amell’s characters represent precisely the caste system that places people with powers at the lowest level of a repressive society managed by a higher. Also in this case, then, two male figures think they know perfectly what the best path is to take for the future of their peers.

Compared to the world of the X-men, however, here we find ourselves at the center of a universe that is crude in its minimalism. This is an element that allows an entire science fiction world to be built around the viewer, involving them and never leaving them on the margins of the narrative. An element is also possible thanks to the identification and emotional bond built with the character of Connor. However, in this case, his torments have a “higher” purpose and are less focused on his personal story. Compared to the first film, Code 8 Part II delivers a defined antihero who, at the end of everything, has finally learned to know and accept himself for exactly who he is.

Code 8 Part II Review: The Last Words

The potential of Code 8 Part II is excellent; it is a film full of action and with an interesting vision of superpowers. However, the risk is repeating some mistakes from the first chapter, creating an unoriginal and predictable plot. Stephen and Robbie Amell play their characters with great harmony and bring back to the screen two figures with complex darkness, although perhaps not very empathetic. The awkward pace doesn’t help the film’s success, but overall, it builds a coherent story. Jeff Chan has created a particular sequel that moves within the atmosphere of neo-noir contaminated by punk rock elements. All to propose a particularly gritty and well-defined science fiction setting where the human aspect and personal evolution often take precedence over the purest action.

Code 8 Part II Review: Full of Action and with An Interesting Vision of Superpowers - Filmyhype

Director: Jeff Chan

Date Created: 2024-02-28 19:53

Editor's Rating:
3

Pros

• Action Hero: The sequel dials up the action with impressive fight scenes and special effects. The powers feel more believable and integrated into the combat.
• Character Development: Connor's journey continues, offering a satisfying redemption arc. New characters like Pavani add fresh perspectives and emotional depth
• World Building: The dystopian world expands, showcasing the oppressive nature of the police state and the struggles of powered people.
• Franchise Potential: The ending sets the stage for future stories, hinting at a potential superhero franchise.

Cons

• Social Commentary: While present, the social commentary isn't as strong as the first film. The allegory for discrimination and societal issues takes a backseat to the action
• Plot Tightness: With more writers on board, some reviewers felt the plot wasn't as focused as the first film. This might lead to a less satisfying narrative flow.
• Missed Opportunities: The film doesn't address some lingering questions and plot threads left open in the first movie.