Code 8 Part II – A More Well-Rounded Sequel (Early Review)

The little Canadian indie sci-fi action film that could, 2019’s Code 8 clearly set the stage for a sequel, if not more, and now here it is with the aptly-named Code 8 Part II. While the original merely set the stage, bringing plenty of promise through its characters and world but unfortunately saddled them with a generic story that came off as bland. Leveraging the name recognition of real life cousins Robbie and Stephen Amell, perhaps that factor isn’t as big as it used to be as the former has slowly rose since then (though not at the speed he truly deserves) and the latter has struggled to find a proper footing following his heyday as part of the Arrowverse. Both with the franchise since its humble beginning as a short film, Robbie continues to shine, again carrying his wooden cousin on his back. Though still solid on a technical level, one of the biggest problems with the first film is rectified as the writing saw a much needed improvement this time around. That being said, it wasn’t without its issues. A more well-rounded story with actual character arcs helps generate a better emotional connection with its characters, however, it sorely lacks in the villain department.

Code 8 Part II takes place five years after the original and sees a young powered girl named Pavani (Sirena Gulamgaus) who, following the suspicious death of her brother by corrupt police officers, enlists the help of Connor (Robbie Amell) and Garrett (Stephen Amell) to take down the charming and charismatic Sergeant King (Mallari Jr.), the leader of the corrupt pack of police officers plaguing Lincoln City. King was also the leading voice of police reform through the use of the city’s newly established K9s, a proposed safer alternative designed to subdue rather than kill, Pavani became a target of he and his forces as she threatened to expose King and his initiative before it could officially get off the ground. An ex-con, Connor was staying out of the limelight as a janitor at a local community center where, one day, found her at his doorstep. Staying true to his nature, he stepped out of the safety of the position he had created for himself to help her but little did they know, they needed help. The logical solution was of course Garrett who had since amassed a criminal empire spanning every facet of the city. Not ending their relationship on the best of terms at the end of the original film, this arrangement came with inescapable trust issues. Whatever his intentions appear to be, his history of shadiness makes it easy for audiences to become skeptical.

With massive targets on their backs, Connor, Garrett, and Pavani had to survive the onslaught from King and the police department as they sought evidence exposing King and the K9 program. Ramping up in action compared to the original film, there was more excitement and stakes to be had but the overall arc of the story was incredibly predictable, ending with an obligatory final showdown. Though still a bit of a rollercoaster, something had to give as the final outcome was never in doubt, nor was the set up for another prospective sequel. In spite of its predictable nature, what the film gets right is Connor’s character arc as he learned to finally embrace who he was. While everything and everyone else was essentially a means to an end, it didn’t necessarily make it any less fun to watch. Its more well-rounded story provides a more entertaining watch though one that may be too simple. Still offering more than the original film, some audiences will nevertheless be left wanting more.

The script of Code 8 Part II is an improvement over the original film and those improvements are reflected in the story and Connor’s character arc and that’s it. Meanwhile, just like the original film, the best part of the sequel is Robbie Amell’s charismatic performance as Connor. Bringing much of the same sensitivities he brought to that first film, he had more room to work with here. He was so compelling to watch that made up for the others who weren’t. Gulamgaus was fine as Pavani but all the other characters were more of a means to an end than fully developed characters. Stephen Amell’s wooden performance as Garrett was more noticeable. To his credit, Mallari Jr. is very charming and charismatic as well. However, it was not enough to make up for the bad dialog he had to work with.

At the end of the day, Code 8 Part II is an improved sequel that offers a simple yet more well-rounded story that in spite of its predictability, is still fun to watch. 

still courtesy of Netflix

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.