The world we live in is politically charged. Nearly every story, whether it is connected to politics or not, often makes its way to social media and news sites being depicted as such. The stronger political division becomes in the world, the more Hollywood feels the need to develop films that depict stories that mirror the filmmakers understanding of the world in which he or she lives. Jeff Chan’s Code 8 is another film, in a long list, that attempts to bring the discrepancies of our world to the forefront of its story and create a narrative that pushes the agenda of the writers and/or directors.
Like a poor man’s X-Men, Code 8 depicts a world where superhumans are treated poorly for their differences. Again, similar to the ideas behind the ever popular X-Men comics and films, the government in Lincoln City demands that these people with unique abilities must register and make public their powers. One of the gifted residents of Lincoln City, Connor Reed (Robbie Amell), is struggling to make ends meet, and, with that, is unable to take care of his sick mother, Mary Reed (Kari Matchett). When an unfamiliar face, Garrett (Stephen Amell), makes him an offer that appears to possess the ability to solve many of his problems, Connor joins an underground criminal enterprise that will shake up his life in ways that he never imagined.
This underlying theme of a political agenda can sometimes be paralyzing for an audience who wants to simply enjoy a film. This aspect of the film is incredibly clear at certain moments throughout Code 8, and, in those moments, audiences struggle to appreciate the endearing qualities of Chris Pare and Jeff Chan’s script. Depth always adds something to a film, however, Pare and Chan’s agenda is aggressively shoved down the throats of views during said moments and this ruins these parts of the film.
Pare and Chan do write a compelling story that, on the surface, is engaging and entertaining. If viewers can look past the ambush of political nonsense strewn throughout Code 8, they can see a story full of intense action and compelling dialogue. From the opening moments, until the film’s closing, audiences are pulled through what is essentially a heist film. It is fun and finds the Amell brothers at their very best. The two have an obvious chemistry that stems from their previous works together and their brotherly bond. The two convey strength and a vigor that excites audiences and keeps them attached to the story of the gifted individuals.
The story, on the surface, is engaging and fun; it ropes in audiences and keeps them until the waning moments of the film. The deeper meaning behind the film, the constant, thinly veiled, references to the government, racism and the politically fueled world in which we live, steals from Code 8 and dilutes the film’s potential for great success. Pare and Chan have everything right in front of them, success, a following, etc., yet they choose to take things too far and lose everything they worked toward.
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