WHAT’S IT ABOUT
In a city where people with powers are policed and oppressed, an ex-criminal must turn to a drug lord he despises to protect a teen from a corrupt cop.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
Code 8: Part II resumes its story five years after the original film’s conclusion. The finale of Code 8 saw Connor Reed (played by Robbie Amell) becoming a fugitive following a tragic incident that led to the deaths of police officers. The sequel explores Connor’s life following a lengthy incarceration. Code 8: Part II studies the escalating violence within a police state that’s become increasingly militarized in an era dominated by surveillance. Stephen Amell reprises his role as Garrett, the narcotics kingpin Connor previously allied with in a doomed effort to save his terminally ill mother. Both characters are among the “Powers,” a term for the 4% of Lincoln City’s populace endowed with superpowers, who are considered second-class status, trapped in poverty, and subject to intense police scrutiny. The initial film explored the forced choices of these disenfranchised “powered” individuals, concealing their abilities or resorting to criminal activities for survival. Their unique powers are exploited to manufacture Psyke, an addictive substance derived from their spinal fluid, leading to entanglements with corrupt law enforcement. This time when, Connor and Garrett must collaborate once more to protect a target marked for death by King, navigating a complex web of drug trade, community aid, and evasion from the police. The sequel introduces Officer Davis (Aaron Abrams), contrasting with the absent Officer Park, and probes the film’s stance on policing. The ambiguity of whether the problem lies with individual corruption or systemic failure adds layers to the unfolding drama. While occasionally over-the-top, action scenes remain entertaining, showcasing the commitment of the Amell cousins to their roles, enhanced by introducing new characters with unique abilities. However, the film struggles to balance its thrilling moments with deeper character exploration, often prioritizing plot advancement over character development. The unexpected twist involving King introduces a critique of assimilation versus community solidarity, a theme that could have benefited from earlier, more thorough examination. Code 8: Part II revisits its universe where a minority possesses powers, under the watchful eye of law enforcement, diverging from typical hero-centric narratives. Despite budget constraints, the film impresses with its special effects, particularly in showcasing new powers and enhancing the technological lore of its world. Robbie Amell’s Connor emerges as a hero driven by compassion, facing peril not out of necessity but a desire to protect, marking a significant evolution from his character’s journey in Code 8. Stephen Amell’s portrayal of Garrett adds complexity to the narrative, presenting a character whose moral ambiguity keeps viewers guessing. Code 8: Part II advances the franchise’s established characters and introduces memorable new faces, enriching the story’s universe and setting the stage for continued exploration of its themes and characters.
OUR RATING – A HOPEFUL FRANCHISE 7