Código 8: Renegados (Parte II)

I had really liked Part 1, especially after waiting 3 long years for it after the Amell cousins dropped their short. I was really hoping with this one they would keep building on this original world they created, adding some more layers of complexity to it. Alas, they went the easy route and just did "more of the same" but with even less substance. It's basically one long chase with characters that are not explored at all; basically a waste of great potential. It is still fairly entertaining as a whole so I disagree with the really bad reviews that call it boring, but it's definitely not as good as the first one.

Just like its predecessor, this second movie is just as dark and as full of tragedy as the first one. Connor is still trying to survive in a merciless world. But this time, he's up against something worse. Just like the first movie, it's well acted with a straight plot line. There's a teeny tiny plot twist that's insignificant to the whole story. And just like the first movie, don't expect to see something grand like superhero scenes in X-Men movies. Cause the super powers in this movie were kinda limited. Honestly it's still as pitiful as the first movie. But nonetheless, it's not a bad choice of movie to spend time with your loved ones.

People are complaining about how long it took, but I think they are forgetting that this was an Indiegogo funded movie that had COVID interfere.

The Amells thought up this movie as a brainchild and it was regular people like us who paid to have it made. It's not going to have all of the parts of a regular Hollywood movie, but considering that - it's super impressive. The effects were awesome. I don't think they will be winning any awards for story writing anytime soon, but it was still an interesting plot that held my interest and even went a few different directions than expected.

If we want movies made for the people, we have to consider the background. This wasn't some art student's crazy idea. It's good entertainment and an enjoyable watch that is worthwhile. Plus, seeing the Amells star in a movie together is totally worth it.

I enjoyed the first Code 8, and I was looking forward to getting more, but instead we get less. Less superpowers, less world building, less character work, less story, and it's all around less compelling. 5 years between the two movies, and they still didn't have a story worth telling.

This Code 8 sequel feels like a copy of too many other movies I've seen. Its biggest crime is that nothing about it is very interesting or entertaining. Some movies have a great idea that is executed poorly. This movie lets down right out of the gate with a poor idea. I'm having trouble thinking of a movie with characters more forgettable than this one. I could say that about the whole movie in general. In fact, as I write this, I can already sense the movie fading away in my mind.

They could have at least amped up the usage of superpowers to create exciting and visually cool action sequences. It's strange that a movie about people with superpowers does so little with superpowers. It's like making a movie about surfers but not showing much actual surfing. It could still work I guess, if it gets us invested in what's going on with the characters, but in this case, I simply didn't care. Everyone lacks personality and there's no chemistry between anyone.

You will have to watch the first Code 8 to understand the main characters and where Part II starts, but there is a several year gap in between movies. Part II is primarily a drama movie like the first, has more action, and explores corruption within the police.

Most of what I have to say is the same as in my review of the previous film: most of the movie explores a dystopian sci-fi world following the drama and struggle of a protagonist with super powers finding his place.

In terms of overall quality, Part II was equally as interesting and entertaining as the first (for good or for worse), and I would loosely recommend it to sci-fi fans.