3 Short Paragraphs: Code 8

2019, Jeff Chan (Grace: The Possession) -- download

Are we in the post-superhero phase of cinema yet? After more than ten years of the successful Marvel Cinematic Universe and a few years of the lopsided DC Universe, are we over superheroes? Do we want to be? Or do we, and by we I mean those of us that read superhero comics, want to see something else from the genre we so love? I am OK if the mainstream audience fade away, back into the corners of bio-pics and tragic small town life. Leave us to explore what is like to have superpowers.

Connor (Robbie Amell, Arq) is a Level 5 Electric, where 5s are the top of the metre. His world is one where people with powers are considered dangerous (true) and are registered and kept from using their powers. They live on the fringes of life, feared by "normal" humans and are often below the poverty line. I am sure Trump would have them in camps, or at least behind walls. But Connor's mother is dying from an unknown condition, one that leaves her without control of her powers, brief moments where she freezes anything she touches. Its likely fatal, not that they could afford health care. So, what is Connor left with but the wrong side of the law?

Garret (Stephen Amell, Arrow) is a mid-level thug working for a mid-level drug dealer, with a gang of powered cohorts. They have a big score in the works and need an Electric; thus comes Connor. Code 8 is another built on a well done, well cast short, but like Kin is one that doesn't live up to the source material. Don't get me wrong; its a solid, decently done indie flick with some flair and great performances. But it doesn't rise above its electric or telekinetic flares. The short set up a premise, and gave us the beginning of a chase movie. I think this would have served the genre better instead of the low-level crime thriller we got.