In a film where ultimate power presents unlimited possibilities, Netflix didn’t take full advantage of what it means.
The multi-billion-dollar streaming service’s new export is a superhero flick in our postmodern world, giving new meaning to the phrase “with great power comes great responsibility”.
Jamie Foxx stars as the mysterious anti-hero Art, chasing after those who distribute the new “Power” pill: a caplet that gives the person who takes it superpowers for only five minutes. He is aided by Robin, a young girl who is forced into dealing with the Power pill to buy medicine for her sick mother, and Frank Shaver, an NOPD officer. The unorthodox trio works together to find Art’s daughter Tracy who was taken by operatives after they discovered she possesses healing abilities.
The action sequences and visuals are a real spectacle, advertising the paramount capabilities of special effects. Jamie Foxx is his usual, masterful self, and works fantastically in collaboration with Dominique Fishback. The young actress is charming and brilliant appearing as the aspiring rap artist (the classroom dream sequence despite being a little bit cringy was definitely a highlight). Joseph Gordon-Levitt acts as the comedic support but shows vigor and intensity during his Power-pill capabilities.
While Netflix has endorsed the big-screen-style suspense and slick action sequences, it simply doesn’t explore the full possibilities of the premise. Only a small cast of the appearing characters illustrate the Power-pill abilities and the backstory to Art’s past is vague. The ending also felt far too rushed and a little bit boring. When telling a story about superpowers and corruption (with an $80 million budget), the streaming giant could have disregarded some of the extended buildups in order to provide more background and character exploration.
The comic-book-like action and eye-popping flashes of flair and excitement, as well as the performances of the main trio of actors, are what make Project Power a compelling watch and the ideal choice for a family movie night. The open-ended parting of the key characters means that a sequel or even a franchise could easily be in the works for Netflix, and is sure to be an option since Forbes reports it’s become the second movie to spend ten days at the # spot on the streaming service (only the second Netflix-produced flick to do so).
Fancy a 21st Century twist to the saturated superhero genre? Project Power is right up your street.
