Code 8: Part II Story:-
Connor, recently released from prison, works as a janitor at a community center, determined to distance himself from his criminal past with Garrett. However, his resolve is tested when he aids 14-year-old Pav in evading corrupt officers led by Sergeant King, who employs robotic K9 units to track Pav. As Connor seeks help from Garrett and his crew, he grapples with the dilemma of trusting the man who betrayed him before.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 28 February 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Action, Crime, Drama |
| Cast | Robbie Amell, Stephen Amell, Aaron Abrams, Jean Yoon, Sirena Gulamgaus, Alex Mallari Jr., Natalie Liconti, Sarena Parmar, Moe Jeudy-Lamour, Mikayla SwamiNathan, Noorin gulamgaus, Jane Moffat |
| Director | Jeff Chan |
| Writer | Chris Pare, Jeff Chan, Sherren Lee, Jesse LaVercombe, Colin Chichakly |
| Cinematography | Marie Davignon |
| Music | Ryan Taubert |
| Producer | Robbie Amell, Stephen Amell, Jeff Chan, Steven Hoban, Matthew Kariatsumari, Chris Pare |
| Production | Collective Pictures, XYZ Films |
| Certificate | 16+ |
In 2016, cousins Stephen Amell and Robbie Amell, known for their roles in “Arrow,” crowdfunded the science fiction film “Code 8,” adapted from a short film of the same name. Directed by Jeff Chan, “Code 8” hit theaters in 2019 before landing on Netflix in 2020. Amid the pandemic, it gained traction on the streaming platform, paving the way for a sequel. “Code 8 Part II” picks up years later, in a world where humans possess diverse superpowers and inhabit society’s fringes as low-wage earners.
While the original film leaned towards a heist drama, focusing on Robbie Amell’s Connor Reed partnering with Stephen Amell’s Garrett Kelton, the sequel takes a different direction, embracing a rebellious underdog narrative akin to Gareth Edwards’ “The Creator,” albeit from a more grounded perspective. With improved pacing and special effects, “Code 8 Part II” surpasses its predecessor and lays the groundwork for a potential franchise.
After failing to save his mother and serving prison time for a crime he didn’t commit, Connor strives to start anew, distancing himself from Garrett. Meanwhile, Garrett aligns with Sergeant Kingston, backing the transition from android police to robotic K-9 units while secretly dealing the superpower drug Psyche. When a deal goes awry, King resorts to violence, prompting Pavani, a witness with abilities, to seek refuge with Connor. This sets off a chain of betrayals and conflicts, transforming the original anti-hero tale into a genuine hero’s journey.
Code 8 Part II begins with a brief explanation, clarifying that the title pertains to the illicit use of superpowers in the fictional Lincoln City, followed by a nearly identical opening credit sequence to its predecessor. Despite this sense of déjà vu, Part II showcases improvements over the original in various aspects. Running just about five minutes longer than its predecessor, it wastes little time in pairing Connor with young Pav, who is targeted due to what she has witnessed. Initially turning to Garrett for help, Connor’s moral compass guides him to aid Pav rather than exploit her for protection from Kingston and the authorities. Stephen Amell, known for his role as an anti-hero in Arrow, delivers a reliably solid performance, portraying Garrett as self-serving yet with a hint of underlying decency. Robbie Amell, with five years of experience since the first film, portrays Connor as more world-weary and less naive following his time in prison.
Alex Mallari Jr. returns from the original film, now with an expanded role as Kingston, providing a menacing presence reminiscent of classic sci-fi and action movie villains. Sirena Gulamgaus impresses with her expressive range of emotions, holding her own opposite the seasoned adult cast. The shift from human androids to dog-like robotic adversaries adds depth to the action sequences, complementing the impressive special effects, particularly in showcasing the characters’ powers.
Directed by Jeff Chan, who co-wrote the film alongside Chris Pare and new writers Sherren Lee and Jess LaVercombe, the script feels more nuanced this time around. The characters are given greater depth, moving beyond clichéd actions seen in the first movie. Despite hitting familiar notes, the story benefits from improved world-building and a shift towards a narrative of disenfranchisement versus authority. While some twists may feel telegraphed, they are executed effectively alongside well-shot action sequences.
Overall, Code 8: Part II builds upon the original’s core concept, offering better storytelling, character development, and special effects. It delivers a solid collection of action sequences reminiscent of late 1980s/early 1990s sci-fi action movies. While familiar and somewhat formulaic, it sets the stage for a potential franchise with the setup for a third film. Code 8 Part II may not revolutionize the genre, but it demonstrates the potential of passionate filmmakers and actors when given the opportunity.
