Since it was just a normal two-day weekend for me, I only managed to squeeze in two movies. To be fair, I watched a lot of shows, too! Either way, I picked two shorter films, one a bit newer with a sci-fi story, and the other was just a little bit bonkers. Let’s dive in!
First up, was the new Netflix film, Code 8, starring cousins Robbie and Stephen Amell. The film shows that the world co-exists with people known as Powers who have superhuman abilities. Early on, these individuals were instrumental in society, but now due to more automated mechanic processes, they have been reduced to a second-class citizen status. One young man, Connor, is a low level Electric, who is caring for his ill mother. The treatment she needs is expensive, and Connor’s meager work in construction just won’t cut it. He ends up getting involved with a team who is associated with the drug, Psyke, which is created from the spinal fluid of Powers. Things definitely get ugly and messy before they get better, but I won’t ruin the whole thing for you.
I enjoyed this movie quite a bit. With the short run time they didn’t mess around with filler scenes and got to the point quickly. The whole time I was watching, I was reminded of two things: Heroes and X-Men. Both of these feature people with superhuman abilities that they need to keep hidden from the world. Their differences make them a target for the rest of the world. It is also more similar to X-Men, in that at some point, the world utilizes the benefits of having abilities until something happens that makes them “scary.” I love both Heroes and X-Men, so I’m definitely not disappointed that Code 8 seems to be based off of these two sci-fi standouts. Another point to note, is that this movie ended somewhat ambiguously, and I think a major part of that has to do with the fact that this is going to be a show (continued?) on Quibi in the near future. We shall see.
Next up was a film I found on Hulu, the horror comedy, Mom and Dad. This just so happens to be another indie gem that Nicolas Cage has found himself in, and I’ve got to say, this is his niche! He needs to take this and run with it (he really has already, though). The movie centers on the Ryan family, who is chalk full of strained relationships. On one particular day, a static emits around the world causing parents to kill their children. Most of the family is blissfully unaware until they all make their way back home. That’s when Brent and Kendall (Cage and Selma Blair) start trying to hunt down and kill their children, Carly and Josh. For a while the kids are able to hold their own, and then even more insanity ensues when Brent’s parents show up to kill him! This movie is really too fun to divulge too much, so you’ll just have to take my word for it and watch it.
Again, this movie seems to feed from a few other successful films, like Birbox and The Happening. A sudden craze based off of something so basic like sound, or sight, or even just the air is slightly terrifying. The twist that is special to this film is the need to murder their offspring. That is certainly a unique spin that I’m sure some people will hate, but I found entertaining. Also, Nicolas Cage had some truly chaotic scenes, and I can’t help thinking that he was living his best life while shooting this. More carzy Cage, please. Anyways, this is another film with a nice, short runtime, and it’s on Hulu, so watch it!