TAGGED AS: Action, movie, movies, Netflix, superhero, Superheroes
From the directors who introduced us to Catfish and the co-writer of next year’s The Batman comes Netflix’s latest fill-in for the summer blockbuster void. Project Power offers a pharmaceutical twist on the superhero genre and stars Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Dominique Fishback, whom critics say steals the movie away from the bigger names – first reviews of the movie highlight her performance above all else. But the film is also mostly recommended as more-than-suitable home viewing with impressive visuals and interesting themes that go beyond the usual comic book fare.
Here’s what critics are saying about Project Power:
“Project Power is the type of movie we’ve been missing.” – Julian Lytle, idobi.com
“The big-budget popcorn flick you’ve been aching to see. The superhero actioner provides a much-needed cinematic jolt to a barren summer.” – Julian Roman, MovieWeb
“Another ‘blockbuster’ which seems destined to be enjoyed by millions of subscribers in the week after release and then promptly forgotten about forever.” – Patrick Cremona, Radio Times
(Photo by SKIP BOLEN/NETFLIX © 2020)
“The early action sometimes calls to mind the overblown Eurotrashy bang of Luc Besson and his ’90s disciples.” – David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter
“In the way that movies like Lucy and Limitless are fun [it is] the kind of loony, kinetic thriller that knows it’s all just shenanigans, and leans in.” – Leah Greenblatt, Entertainment Weekly
“Project Power takes the Limitless concept and runs with it to glory.” – Julian Roman, MovieWeb
“It has conceptual similarities to the Bradley Cooper vehicle Limitless…let’s even throw in a touch of X-Men, The Matrix, Firestarter and Jacob’s Ladder.” – David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter
“Similar to the way that Robocop satirized the convergence of private corporations and law enforcement as the ultimate form of capitalism, [Project Power] explores, in a less satirical manner, what it means to become powerful.” – Douglas Davidson, Elements of Madness
“Of the many movies with which Project Power shares probably too much in common, the most unexpected, albeit perhaps telling, is Ang Lee’s 2003 Hulk.” – Todd Gilchrist, What to Watch
(Photo by SKIP BOLEN/NETFLIX © 2020)
“It’s drawing on so many decades’ worth of pulp clichés that the movie can scarcely bother to pretend it’s anything but a remix.” – Owen Gleiberman, Variety
“It is refreshing, at least, to see a movie that is its own idea, even if many of its tropes are borrowed from the glut of superhero movies.” – Richard Lawson, Vanity Fair
“They know that the way to mainstream hearts and wallets is…by soothing them with the same candy they’ve grown to love.” – Manohla Dargis, New York Times
“Is it even possible for a superpower movie to be truly original anymore? In fact, what makes Project Power entertaining is its canny combination of familiar ingredients in a textured real-world milieu that gives it fresh flavor.” – David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter
(Photo by SKIP BOLEN/NETFLIX © 2020)
“There is enough detail and psychological nuance in Mattson Tomlin’s clever script to make Project Power more intriguing than most of what Marvel and DC have to offer.” – Johnny Oleksinski, New York Post
“The way [Tomlin] weaves in the social commentary of the topics they cover…I loved that from a writing standpoint. This film tackles so much more.” – Sharronda Williams, Pay or Wait
“The film features a pretty strong social commentary on the biased power structure of America, along with systemic racial injustice and corrupt law enforcement.” – Nicola Austin, We Have a Hulk
“I couldn’t help but see a missed opportunity for a richer, more complex look at what the politically powerful do when the poor gain some power of their own.” – Travis Hopson, Punch Drunk Critics
“It feels shallow, unwilling to commit to bigger statements beyond vague suggestions to overcome systemic injustice with Black Excellence.” – Oluwatayo Adewole, The Spool
“The movie’s sexism is predictable and dull; how it navigates race is similarly obvious but a touch more interesting.” – Manohla Dargis, New York Times
(Photo by © NETFLIX)
“With the aim of maximizing the use of practical effects…there are a number of standout showdowns featuring dramatic powers.” – Nicola Austin, We Have a Hulk
“The visuals one scene offers will have college students studying in film classes for years to come.” – Allison Rose, FlickDirect
“[The] effects fit the world and don’t scream GREEN SCREEN at you like some movies.” – Julian Lytle, idobi.com
“The VFX, for the most part, are what you’d expect from any major film – except for one scene in the middle. The CGI in this scene is awful.” – Jamal-Dean Grootboom, Independent Online
“Jamie Foxx is Jamie Foxx. He brings charisma, he brings charm, he gets you entertained…he does a great job.” – Sharronda Williams, Pay or Wait
“Foxx, still a movie star to his bones, imbues Art with both fierce purpose and breezy charisma.” – Leah Greenblatt, Entertainment Weekly
“Foxx holds the center easily with the kind of imposing physicality and emotional stoicism that has long defined the male savior-redeemers played by John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Denzel Washington and so on.” – Manohla Dargis, New York Times
(Photo by SKIP BOLEN/NETFLIX © 2020)
“The real star of the picture is Fishback…such a natural presence, and it’s great to see a young Black woman showcased this way in a major action film.” – Clint Worthington, Consequence of Sound
“She elevates every scene she’s in. You really feel her absence when she’s not on screen.” – Oluwatayo Adewole, The Spool
“She brings a smile to your face when she’s on screen…this movie doesn’t work without Dominique Fishback.” – Sharronda Williams, Pay or Wait
“She’s this movie’s most reliable power and the only thing you’ll remember about it five minutes later.” – Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times
“It’s a star-making performance.” – Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times
“While I could do away with the ‘aspiring rapper’ trope writers always saddle on at-risk black protagonists, Fishback at least tries to make the character her own.” – Travis Hopson, Punch Drunk Critics
(Photo by SKIP BOLEN/NETFLIX © 2020)
“Don’t miss Rodrigo Santoro and Amy Landecker as some amusing bad guys.” – Kate Erbland, IndieWire
“Frank and Art aren’t fighting Thanos or Blofeld, but the drug itself and the havoc it wreaks: crime, bodily harm, crumbling neighborhoods.” – Johnny Oleksinski, New York Post
“Like The Old Guard before it, Project Power has a major villain problem, and the story upon which these more charming elements hang suffers as a result.” – Clint Worthington, Consequence of Sound
“The way they deal with the villains, though very fun and action packed, seems a bit too quick and easy.” – Tessa Smith, Mama’s Geeky
“There’s a primary antagonist, sort of, who barks orders but is never explained…I’m sure this was done purposely to set up the sequel.” – Julian Roman, MovieWeb
“I would love to delve deeper into these characters and the origins of the pills, opening up the door for a possible sequel.” – Allison Rose, FlickDirect
“Perhaps the (inevitable) sequel can pack more juice.” – Kate Erbland, IndieWire
“This could be turned into a franchise but it also just works as a standalone. You get to the end and you feel entertained and fulfilled.” – Julian Lytle, idobi.com
(Photo by SKIP BOLEN/NETFLIX © 2020)
“Netflix has indeed found a niche in adrenalized action flicks that’ll keep you entertained during lockdown while providing a little more nuance than you might expect, and Project Power fits right into that niche.” – Steve Pond, The Wrap
“Project Power is sleek and stylish enough to make it watchable. And these days, that’s almost enough?” – Sean O’Connell, Cinema Blend
“Since you’re sitting at home, scarfing entertainment on the small screen, there’s an impulse to say, ‘Check this out! It’s good enough!’” – Owen Gleiberman, Variety
“Project Power [is] an entertaining diversion.” – Adam Graham, Detroit News
Project Power is available on Netflix now.
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