Actors Robbie Amell and Stephen Amell star in the Netflix sci-fi action movie “Code 8: Part II.”
This is the sequel to “Code 8,” which was released back in 2019. Robbie Amell and Stephen Amell reprise their lead roles as Connor Reed and Garrett Kelton.
Aside from the Amell cousins, the film also stars Sirena Gulamgaus, Altair Vincent, Alex Mallari Jr., Moe Jeudy-Lamour, Aaron Abrams, and Jean Yoon.
Jeff Chan directed from a screenplay that he co-wrote alongside Chris Paré, Sherren Lee (“Float”) and Jesse LaVercombe.
The synopsis is: Connor Reed (Robbie Amell) is out of prison and working as a janitor at the Lincoln City Community Center, after he cut his ties with his former criminal associate Garrett (Stephen Amell).
Connor’s attempt at staying out of trouble is destroyed when he is forced to help 14-year-old Pavani “Pav”(played by Sirena Gulamgaus) escape from a pack of corrupt officers led by Sergeant “King” Kingston (Alex Mallari Jr.).
King uses the newly launched robotic K9’s to track Pav down, while Connor finds himself once again reaching out to Garrett and his crew for help, but can he trust the man who landed him in prison in the first place?
This thriller follows the journey of a teenage girl who is seeking justice. The film revolves around the four percent of people living in fictional Lincoln City who possess special abilities. Most of these people live under the poverty line, and they are heavily policed.
It is rich in symbolism and motifs if one pays close attention. It deals with such concepts as living with loss, morality, and struggling to survive.
Without giving too much away, it is worth taking a high-adrenaline and bumpy trip to Lincoln City.
The Verdict
Overall, Jeff Chan is able to immerse his audience in the dystopian world of “Code 8: Part II” thanks to the robotic technology and drones. Sirena Gulamgaus delivers a true breakout performance as the female lead Pavani.
Robbie Amell is charming, subtle, compassionate, and badass in the lead role, where his acting skills run the gamut (where one can slightly recall Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Departed”).
Stephen layers his emotions well as the complex Garrett, where his ambivalent rapport with Robbie’s character, Connor, allows for more resonance. It is interesting to explore the dynamics of their tense relationship, rivalry, as well as reluctantly working together.
Alex Mallari Jr. plays a character that the audience would love to hate as the unprincipled cop. Jean Yoon is delightful as Mina, who in many ways is the heart of the movie. Kudos to all four screenwriters in bringing this unflinching story to life.
This sci-fi project appeared to be a labor of love for all involved. Fans of mystery, sci-fi, drama, suspense, and action movies will be fully amused.
“Code 8: Part II” is high-octane and edgier than the original installment. It offers a refreshing take on a modern concept such as scrutinizing the strange and petrifying future that comes with technology. This movie is feel-good escapism, and it garners 4.5 out of 5 stars.
