‘Code 8: Part II’ Movie Review: A Sharp Sci-Fi Indie With Quality Performances Is Held Back By A Weak, Generic Script
Photo from Netflix
From Joe Peltzer
When Code 8 first premiered in late 2019, sci-fi genre fans (myself included) were impressed by the quality production of the self-financed film from Robbie and Stephen Amell. What started as a short film teaser soon resulted in a cult hit once the feature-length film debuted on Netflix in April of 2020. With its popularity apparent, the streamer commissioned a sequel with the same crew reuniting for Code 8: Part II.
The follow-up picks up a few years later in the world where 4% of the population have special powers (called Powers) with Connor (Robbie Amell) released from jail. He’s soon thrust into protective mode as a young girl (Sirena Gulamgaus as Pavani) is hunted by a corrupt police force while she seeks justice for her slain brother. Connor turns to Garrett (Stephen Amell) for help, but the twisted nature of Lincoln City’s allegiances muddies the waters of who can be trusted. Code 8: Part II is something of a passion project for all involved with writer/director Jeff Chan returning (along with cowriter Chris Paré) to join the Amells in continuing the audacious story. Part II looks bigger and bolder with better visuals and crisp effects, but it’s the familiar story that drags it down.
First, the good. The Amells are operating on another level here, especially Robbie who portrays a man trying to stay out of trouble, yet forced into the guardian role for Pavani based on his moral compass. Scenes with Robbie Amell and Gulamgaus are sensitive and well-acted, their relationship the core driver of the sequel. Stephen Amell for his part is clearly comfortable in an antagonistic role, likely why he worked so well as the rough Oliver Queen in The CW’s long-running Arrow. There isn’t a ton of development for his character in particular, but there isn’t much room for that in a film that features numerous (perhaps too many) twists and turns.
The story continues to be an intriguing take on over-policing, especially of minority populations, with unique takes on the abuse of technology and surveillance. Part II unfortunately loses sight of this, however, instead turning to a story of corruption that plays like a neutered version of The Departed mixed with the DNA of Logan. The audience is continuously forced to question where loyalties lie between Garrett’s crew of Powers and the police (led by a formidable Alex Mallari Jr.), an overused set of ruses that gets old rather fast. Though the simplicity is appreciated, this minimalistic story is drawn out in sequences that often go a tick too long. To be clear, the action sequences are downright cool and the clear beneficiaries of better production tools (and perhaps money). But there are moments where I found my interest waning, only to then be drawn back in with a wildly fun and well-executed sequence, before again succumbing to borderline boredom.
As far as indie sci-fi films go, the Code 8 entries are jewels of the genre. Should the series continue on, however, filmmakers should veer towards more exploration of Powers than the twice-trodden police analogy that wore thin in the sequel. Still, there is something comfortable and accessible about these films, their plain sailing nature almost quaint compared to others in the genre. The premise is simple and fun, but it begs to be given a better vessel through which to expand its world. Part II delivers in the comfort of its predecessor’s pre-established lines, for better or for worse.
Rating: 2.5/5
Code 8: Part II is now streaming on Netflix.
