Code 8: Partie II

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.

It has been about 4 years since Code 8 Part 1 came out, and now we have this potential going to waste.

Honestly, I like Part 1 better than Part 2. Part 2 was, and I hate to say this, disappointing... I was really hoping for more. At this point, the way Part 2 was made makes it feel more like a TV show episode than an actual movie. Code 8, in general, has a lot of potential to grow, but you really need to put in investment in this. Lastly, the Code 8 universe has the potential to be much more, and it possesses an impactful charm that draws you in, unlike other superpower-based movies or shows.

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.

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.

I love sci-fi and like the general concept... I like the world this story lives in.. What I hate is the plot, writing... Oh the writing. It's atrocious.

Ok so one example... Homeboy needs help to remove a bullet... It's meant to be a big moment where they decide to help him.... And what help exactly does he need to remove the bullet? Pull my shirt down while I pull the bullet out myself. Lmao 🤣 Who wrote this nonsense? Does nobody proof read this stuff?

The characters? You won't care about them much. The lead acts like a spoiled brat for the entirety of the film.

Special effects are good... But the sound of the robot dogs? Sounds like a robot elephant walking around... Not exactly great for sneaking around.

There are moments where the characters forget they have powers when they are in precarious situations.

As much as I want to like this ... It's garbage. Good idea... Terrible execution.