Code 8: Part 2 Review
One of Netflix’s most recent original movie releases is ‘Code 8: Part 2’, a sequel to the 2019 sci-
fi film ‘Code 8’.
The movie takes place in the fictional Lincoln City where certain people have special powers,
such as the ability to shoot electricity and move objects by telekinesis. Because of their
perceived threat, they’re subjected to intense police surveillance, often suffering discrimination
during their daily lives. To try and counter criticism of their heavy-handed tactics, the police
introduce new robotic dogs, which are intended to use non-lethal force and provide a more
proportionate response. Despite this, under the command of a rogue police sergeant, one of
them kills a petty criminal who interrupts a payoff with a drug gang. As the only witness to this,
his teenage sister Pavani is forced to go on the run from the authorities.
This is where we’re reintroduced to two characters from the first film, Connor (Robbie Amell), a
former small-time criminal, and Garrett (Stephen Amell), a drug dealer who now runs a large
criminal operation in the city, paying off the corrupt police to keep his activities secret. They help
Pavani keep a low profile as the police hunt for her.
Much like its predecessor ‘Code 8’, one big problem is with the plot device of Powered People.
It’s never a big enough part of the story, unlike similar films such as ‘X-Men’. The world hasn’t
significantly changed or been improved by the efforts of those with Powers, and there doesn’t
seem to be much change in daily life, other than the increased police activity. Most of them just
get by in dead-end jobs, keeping a low profile. It’s really a big shame, because it could be
interesting to explore it in more detail. The first movie showed that some of these people were in
demand because of their powers, but it seems less of a thing here, which seems odd as we’re
introduced to new powers, such as the ability to erase memories.
In reality, they’re more of a plot device rather than an integral part of the story, giving a unique
spin on what would otherwise be a generic action-thriller, without significantly contributing
anything, and they could be completely cut out without necessitating any huge changes. The
revelation that corrupt cop Sergeant Kingston actually has these powers but chooses to hide
them could lead to intriguing new areas, but it’s largely forgotten as soon as it’s mentioned.
The ending doesn’t provide much of a conclusion to the problems Powered People face,
offering a suggestion that things might be getting better as footage from the police dog is
revealed, fueling public outrage, and leaving some hope that those with Powers might get to live
normal lives again.
As a straight up action movie, it’s decent enough, and an improvement on the first film, though
its story and effects aren’t going to blow you away. Stephen Amell isn’t the most charismatic
lead, and his character of Connor tends to be overshadowed by the more interesting Garrett,
who swims in the murky waters between antihero and villain. There are worse thing to do with
100 minutes of your time, but the movie never escapes the feeling that it’s standing knee-deep
in wasted potential, and with a bit more effort and imagination, it could have been a much better
film.