Code 8 is the kind of generic film that only stands out of the crowd by its choice of a gimmick. In this case, an uber-masculine crime drama featuring people with superpowers, because that's what is popular. This is not in any way meant to diss superhero movies, but no one can deny that everyone is trying to ride off of their coattails right now. Even so, I can say there is at least one aspect of this film I can appreciate, which I will get to in a moment.
The story takes place in an alternative present where people are born with unique abilities. Such as electrical powers, super strength, fire, and mind-reading powers. Once these people were valued in the workforce until technology eventually took over. This left many superpowered people out of work with nowhere to turn. So many of them resorted to crime. This causes a rise in fear of superpowered individuals, encouraging government legislation against them, as well as fear-mongering peddled by the media. Our hero is a young mand with electrical powers named Connor (Robbie Amell), who is trying to find work to take care of his sick mother. Connor is approached by a crime boss who offers him a huge payday. Reluctantly, Connor accepts as his mother's health is getting worse. From there, the film becomes the generic gritty heist/crime drama that, once again, only stands out because of the superpowers.
I know I sound like I am repeating myself, but there really isn't much else to say about this movie. It's not necessarily dull or annoying, it's just everything that happens has been done better in other films. It is a literal representation of the phrase "not bad," which more or less sums it all up.
Even so, I will say that there is one part of this film I do appreciate. The social commentary it makes on harmful government legislation and how poverty is the most significant cause of crime is something that should always be addressed whenever possible. While I can name a few movies that have handled this commentary better, I can, at the very least, say that Code 8 does a decent job at delivering it.
Code 8 is the kind of action schlock you watch while you wait for the better stuff to arrive on Netflix. If you need something to kill an hour and a half, there is really no harm in this one if you can't find anything that tickles your fancy more. Otherwise, I'm sure there are better sci-fi crime dramas out there somewhere.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading.
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