Let's "blag' about film
- Sep 28, 2020
- 3 min read
Project Power (2020 film) review
Wouldn't we all want superpowers? Sure humans speak about leaps in evolution, where the rare few attain specific skills and can perform extraordinary tasks... some say they are myths. But what if there was a drug to enhance your strength, allow you to be bullet proof, camouflaged, adjust your temperature at will, manifest fire and even cause objects to disintegrate on a molecular level...? Would you take it?
Project Power creates a backbone of a plot that not just creates its own superhero type, mutant-like environment, but it cleverly reveals a dominion that is sought by one of the largest industry of the world- drugs.
While some would argue that pharmaceuticals fall in this category, where snippets of natural organisms are added to create drugs with unknown sometimes dangerous and long-term side effects, Project Power cleverly occasionally shift that focus to the emotions of family and togetherness. This provides a driving factor in why the protagonists remain involved. Yes, its plural. In doing so, the film makes itself more appealing to the emotions of a daughter, father, friend...
While Joseph Gordon- Levitt delivers a performance that is more than worthy of high praises, it is Jamie Foxx who steals each scene that he stars in. Dominique Fishback has truly displayed her talent as a leading lady in the film.
ALERT! SPOILERS AHEAD!
Project Power begins with a drug pusher awarding a new and special drug that enhance a person's abilities. The new drug quickly becomes a hot seller on the streets of New Orleans, with youths being the pushers. Gordon- Levitt plays Frank, a police officer who pays and works closely with Fishback's Robin in getting the drug off the street. He even uses it, revealing that his power was linked to "bullet immunity" (sorry bad Shazam joke).
The catch is, it only works in bursts and and in some cases, as with Robin's friend Newt, causes severe surfaces injuries. (His face is scarred from fire).
Enters Fox whose character, Art, not only, only appears mysterious, but dangerous, as well. He is portrayed as an antagonist which is a clever plot for the audience to delve into. It is not until he is fatally shot, trying to save Robin from the drug dealers, who try to get her out. Even then, there are questions about the nobility of Art.
As the plot thickens, it is revealed that the person whose DNA forms the main source of scientific data for the drug's mass reproduction, is Art's daughter. it is also revealed that the police chief and perhaps many other high ranking officials were actually agents in getting the drug through New Orleans.
The rescue mission to save Art's daughter succeeds but being trapped Art takes a pill. He had previously mentioned that what happened previously, led to many deaths. In true x-men like style, Art disintegrates the water and persons closest to him, perhaps best explained as destructive resonance.
The deed leaves him unconscious or perhaps dead; it is here that the grand reveal of his daughter's ability was her healing ability.
The movie ends on a positive note, with Art driving away with his daughter, and Robin's rap music (her power, as Art had told her) played on the airways.
There are minor flaws, one of it being that Foxx's character instantly showed his superpower rather than after five minutes, like other users. Perhaps the details were sketchy and hinted but not elaborated.
All in all, Project Power is a good film with talented actors and a good script. Its twists and turns keep the audience engaged during its 1 hour 53 min air time.
Now showing on Netflix. Check it out yourself.
Check out the trailer on IMDB
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