CODE 8: Where Superpowers In Cinema Take A Left Curve

The past decade has seen the rise — and potentially the peak — of superhero cinema, yet film writers are continuously finding ways to reinvent the genre to capture the attention of the masses. Writer Chris Pare and director Jeff Chan bring yet another addition to superhero movies, but this independent film bends many rules, at least making it feel like a fresh and thrilling experience.

Code 8 brings together superhero alumni and real life cousins, Stephen and Robbie Amell (Arrow, The Flash). The duo star in a film that places gifted individuals in a grounded and gritty world, where powers cannot be used without a permit, and those with superhuman abilities often receive the short end of the stick. The film can easily be compared to the X-Men movies in terms of how superpowers would fare on a sociopolitical scale, but Code 8 takes liberties of its own, standing against what audiences have seen before.

A Cape-less Superpower Story

Although I’ve previously classified this movie in the superhero genre, it’s much more of a crime drama that borrows elements from superhero films. This is very much a character-centric story, as Connor Reed (Robbie Amell) uses his abilities to raise money for his sick mother, and its exciting premise may very well be the strongest aspect of the movie. By using his powers, Connor gets involved in shady business, and his development is one of the most intriguing I’ve seen in a solo film.

With that said, Code 8’s biggest flaw may be that it does not rely heavily on relationships and supporting characters. Where Robbie’s character succeeds, others fall short. It’s interesting to watch a film that isn’t bogged down by a cliche love story or unnecessary incidents, but many of the supporting cast members (and the militarized police force) could have been better developed to enrich the story.

Stephen Amell also plays a big role in the movie, essentially recycling many of Oliver Queen’s attributes, and Sung Kang (Fast and Furious Franchise) joins the cast as Agent Park. Although the characters receive a fair amount of screen time, they never greatly uplift the story. It’s not that I would have liked to see more of these two characters, but I think the film would benefit from better execution of them. We receive just enough to keep them relevant but not enough to make them exciting.

Between Production and the Audience

Although the script lacks, the premise is strong, and there is also plenty to be enthralled by with Code 8. This is a unique world that’s being built, and the use of special effects work wonders in capturing it. From the futuristic police force to the use of superpowers, Code 8 is visually stunning, further capturing shots that give it its gritty aesthetic. My only complaint is against the underutilization of special effects, which we don’t see too much of.

This is also one of the more gruesome superpower related films in recent memory. It’s PG-13, but it really pushes it to the limit. The fight sequences and violence are explosive and fun to watch. This really doesn’t feel like a film for children, but it definitely benefits from the way director Jeff Chan chooses to tell the story. It’s a thrilling ride, but it does come with quibbles.

Code 8 isn’t as cohesive a piece of storytelling as we’ve seen from related films. It’s occasionally quickly paced, and as mentioned, supporting characters tend to suffer from this. I also believe the overall narrative takes a hit from pacing and some directorial decisions.

I walked away from Code 8 with a sense of promise but not quite the kick I was hoping for. I firmly believe that with a longer run time characters would have been better fleshed out, and actions would have had more significance. There seems to be an invisible barrier between the script and what the audience sees, and the montages and lack of relationship building ultimately keeps an enjoyable film from being exceptional. Nonetheless, if simple entertainment is what you’re looking for, it’s there.

Code 8: Conclusion

Jeff Chan does an adequate job at bringing his vision to life by juxtaposing the superhero and crime genres for a wider range of viewers. Code 8 is by no means perfect, but its occasional lack of thoughtfulness and scriptural pitfalls don’t hinder it from being entertaining. In many instances, Code 8 is exhilarating, gruesome, and touching, and its unique premise may very well be appreciated across genres.

What did you think of Code 8? Would you like to see a sequel? Let us know in the comments below!

Code 8 was released in theaters in the US on December 13th, 2019. For all international release dates, see here.