Code 8 Part 2 – Netflix Review (3/5)

CODE 8 PART 2 on Netflix is the sequel to the 2019 movie. It’s a strong sequel that almost feels more complete. Both the director and core cast return with Robbie Amell and Stephen Amell starring. Read our full Code 8: Part II movie review here!

CODE 8 PART 2 is on Netflix now and offers a continuation of the 2019 movie. That movie was based on a 2016 short film, and the core plot is as relevant as ever. We’re in a world where 4% of the world’s population are superhumans. This means they have some form of power (in the vein of X-Men). Also, many superhumans are found in low-income areas.

YOU MIGHT LIKE

Our review of the first Code 8 movie on Netflix >

While the first movie focused on world-building and introducing characters, this sequel focuses more on a story about justice. Everything from corruption to standing up and fighting back, but also asking the question: Who then wins? It’s a strong sequel that almost feels more complete, so if you liked the first one, you’ll want to watch Part II as well.

Continue reading our Code 8: Part II movie review below. Find it on Netflix from February 28, 2024.

A fine line between criminals and cops

Code 8: Part 2 begins with Connor (Robbie Amell) getting released from prison. While the first movie ended on a somewhat open note, it’s clear via this sequel’s opening that he never ratted anyone out and paid for more than his own share of crimes committed.

Connor is fine with having paid his debt to society and is working as a janitor at a community center. A place that really isn’t used anymore, but he enjoys staying busy and keeping his head down. Also, he wants nothing to do with his former criminal associate Garrett (Stephen Amell).

Garrett does actually arrive to pick up Connor from prison when he’s released and otherwise all alone. He even says that he owes Connor a favor for taking the blame and keeping his mouth shut. However, all Connor wants from Garrett is to never see him again, which Garrett immediately grants him.

Well, for Connor this request is about to change when he lands in hot water yet again and wants to help a teen girl. She’s being chased by corrupt police officers and in this world, there’s a very fine line between cops and criminals. When cops are chasing you, the only ones who can help you are criminals who have connections.

A Transducer enters the story

Connor feels compelled to help the 14-year-old Pav (Sirena Gulamgaus) who is being hunted by a pack of corrupt officers led by Sergeant King (Alex Mallari Jr.). This leads to Connor once again asking Garrett and his crew for help. Unfortunately, it’s quite doubtful whether he can trust the criminal, who landed him in prison once already.

Personally, I much prefer it when Connor and Garrett work together, as I enjoy the banter between Stephen Amell and Robbie Amell (ARQ). They just get a lot more scenes together whenever they’re on the same side. You just never know how long it’ll last.

While we did meet a few variations of Superhumans in the first Code 8, this sequel has a new and very rare power at the center of its plot. The girl in trouble, Pav, is a “Transducer”. This means she can connect with communication devices. As in “hear” the radio communication of a drone far above her or “see” what a robot is recording, but with her mind.

Obviously, this kind of power is dangerous to have around for a corrupt police officer and his gang of thugs in police uniforms. That’s why they’re after her!

Watch Code 8: Part II on Netflix now!

Director Jeff Chan created Code 8 with the 2016 short film co-written with Chris Pare. The two also made the 2019 feature film and are back to direct and co-write this 2024 sequel. However, a few more writers have also been added.

The new writers are Sherren Lee and Jesse LaVercombe, who also worked together to make the 2023 movie Float which also starred Stephen Amell. Not to be confused with the 2022 horror movie #Float. The two have nothing in common except water!

In any case, I want to point out that – just like with the first 2019 movie – the production quality and special effects are gorgeous. This makes for a great world-building where it’s much easier for the audience to accept the core premise. If you liked the original story, you’ll definitely want to watch this sequel and get Part II.

Who knows, there might be a Code 8: Part 3 in the works. Or maybe Code 8: Part III as the correct spelling of this sequel’s title is with Roman numerals. In other words, and without giving away any spoilers, Code 8: Part II does end in such a way that a trilogy is possible!

Code 8: Part 2 is on Netflix from February 28, 2024.

Details

Director: Jeff Chan
Writers: Chris Pare, Jeff Chan, Sherren Lee, Jesse LaVercombe, Colin Chichakly
Cast: Robbie Amell, Stephen Amell, Sirena Gulamgaus, Alex Mallari Jr., Jean Yoon, Aaron Abrams