Sci-Fi Code 8 (Netflix, 2020)

Kevin

Code Monkey
Staff member
Title: Code 8

Tagline: Fear is the most dangerous power

Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Crime, Thriller, Drama

Director: Jeff Chan

Cast: Stephen Amell, Robbie Amell, Kari Matchett, Penny Eizenga, Lawrence Bayne, Jai Jai Jones, Alex Mallari Jr., Shaun Benson, Sung Kang, Aaron Abrams, Martin Roach, Nneka Elliott, Matthew Gouveia, Kevin Claydon, Laysla De Oliveira, Vlad Alexis, Ho Chow, Simon Northwood, Peter Outerbridge, Sarah Hoedlmoser, Greg Bryk, Kyla Kane, Karissa Strain, Max Laferriere, Merwin Mondesir, Casey Hudecki, Darrin Baker, JaNae Armogan, Jeff Sinasac, John MacDonald, Chris Handfield, Natalie Lisinska, Emma Ho, Herschel Andoh, Oscar A. Gonzalez, Charlie Riina, Nichole Arya Lentz, Christine Pagulayan, Dane Bingenheimer, Michelle Doiron, Josh Aguirre, Derek Barnes, Glenda Braganza, Nick Ford, Michelle Hill, Lisa Hinds, Eldon Hunter, Elena Khan, Heidi Matijevic, Kris Pring, Attila Sebesy, Joe Vercillo, Michelle Cormier, Q Fortier

Release: 2019-12-06

Runtime: 99

Plot: In Lincoln City, some inhabitants have extraordinary abilities. Most live below the poverty line, under the close surveillance of a heavily militarized police force. Connor, a construction worker with powers, involves with a criminal gang to help his ailing mother. (Based on the short film “Code 8,” 2016.)
Code 8 (Netflix, 2020)

 
Code 8 is new Netflix movie starring brothers Robbie Amell and Stephen Amell. The premise is pretty simple, in an alternative Los Angeles there is a clash between "powered" people, those who have abilities like super strength or able to control electricity or read minds or telekinesis and others, and the remaining 96% of the population that sees them as a thread. Based on the short film by the same name, this version goes deeper into the themes of xenophobia and the story of what a person is willing to do to save somebody else.

Unfortunately there really isn't any new territory covered. The main character, played by Robbie Amell, is shown in a story seen plenty of times before -- somebody who is just trying to get by in an otherwise miserable life and he needs to discover how far he is willing to go to save somebody he loves. The technology used by the police include large drones that are able to deploy humanoid robots named "Guardians" that act as both quick responders to crime scenes and as aids to human officers in dangerous situations. And that's essentially the entire movie. It feels more like an expanded version of an indie movie from Asylum films meant for straight-to-streaming or SyFy than a big budget film.

If you're stuck at home during the COVID-19 coronavirus lockdown of 2020 then certainly add this one to your queue as a time filler, just don't expect too much out of it.

 
Just watched this last night, and agree with your analysis. The story was very paint-by-the-numbers. It's fairly well done technically, decently acted and shot, but nothing special. I like the premise, and it was entertaining, but nothing I'll watch again.
 

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