The Old Guard (2020) - USA (Netflix Original)
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)
Netflix goes Marvel with the superhero inspired action packed blockbuster in “The Old Guard”. Whilst not entirely successful in its execution, the film packs plenty of punches and suitably entertaining from start to finish. It certainly helps to have one of the best heroine in the role with Charlize Theron and rising star Kiki Layne as two key female immortals. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood make use of the Netflix budget to produce plenty of visuals and effects to merge well with the numerous action sequences. The story is an interesting one and write Greg Rucka adapts from the original comic and manages to impresses with an embedded story of the greater good and how the power of few can have a lasting effect for civilisation and humanity if falling into the the right hand.
Charlize Theron leads the way with plenty of on-screen presence and right at home with all the required action sequences. Theron, since “Mad Max: Fury Road” have managed to craft herself into a genuine action heroine. Kiki Layne also impressed with her steadfast presence and excel in her action scenes. Whenever Layne and Theron is on-screen together, the film becomes a different level of dimension as their backstory and friendship goes the distance. The dynamic duo is ably supported by an ensemble cast of Matthias Schoenaerts, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Marwan Kenzari and Luca Marinelli.
All in all, “The Old Guard” speaks to the inner voice of its audience about humanity, civilisation and its ultimate core. Unspeakable horrors and brutal reality have been arising over the past decades and centuries. In the small team of immortals, we see how they react and if the power falls in the wrong hands, how quickly the world can be destroyed and ended. Theron and Layne makes their respective roles a walk in the park to enjoy and relate towards as they are ultimately more mortal than immortal.
I rated it 7.5/10
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Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Writer: Greg Rucka
Stars: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli