Project Power (2020)

Relative newcomer Dominique Fishback has star potential. She steals this movie from big names like Foxx and Gordon-Levitt. Her student/drug dealer/rapper/super hero (yes really) is a compelling character that just makes you want to see more. If this movie gets some traction, expect to see more of her soon.

Project Power is the story of a drug (Power) which gives those who take is unpredictable super powers for 5 minutes. It follows Robin (Fishback) a teen dealer, Frank (a Power addicted cop who buys from Robin), and Art (on of the original test subjects of the drug trials) who all get tangled up in the chaos created by the drug. The film has an exciting if rather shallow story and is filled with thrilling action scenes.

Project Power has a good idea behind it but only takes it so far. It feels like there is a lot of potential here that could be explored but so far hasn't. Despite the truly exciting set pieces, the story keeps it simple and straight forward, not quite cliche but getting pretty close. I understand Netflix is looking for a franchise and this one holds some potential to tell more fascinating stories in the future. I might personally prefer to see The Old Guard get a sequel as I felt it got me hooked faster than this. But this story and Fishback both have a lot of promise.

Project Power
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dominque Fishback, Rodrigo Santoro, Amy Landecker, Courtney B. Vance, Colson Baker
Directors: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman
Writer: Mattson Tomlin