Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood
Starring: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts
Rated R for sequences of graphic violence, and language
“The Old Guard” is a Netflix fantasy film directed by Gina Prince- Bythewood. In this action filled film, Andy (played by Charlize Theron) leads a army of four mercenaries who are immortal and have been on Earth for hundreds of years. They take a new solider, Nile, under their wing (played by KiKi Layne) as they try to keep their immortality a secret and defend themselves from a company trying to obtain their powers.
While “The Old Guard” is a fun and exciting film, there are some minor issues that plague the film. The first 15 or 20 minutes of the film goes by too fast and doesn’t let the audience take a breath. The film begins as we see the army lead by Andy meeting Copley (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor) as he offers the team a job to save kidnapped school girls being held captive by an armed militia. After a quick scene, the team is in South Sudan trying to rescue the girls. They soon find out the job was a set up and the team is quickly killed by gunfire. But we soon learn these characters are immortal, so they are still alive. While I do not have any problem with this scene or how it was executed, as it is a great scene,I have more of an issue of the lead up to the scene. Most films begin with an exposition, the audience is introduced to the characters and setting and then we slowly get to the plot. But the film seems to skip this and introduces the characters for a few minutes then gets to the plot rather quickly. It is understandable that the film has to get started and shouldn’t waste any time. But in the first few minutes of the film, we should learn that the characters are immortal and want to keep their secrets. But once the film gets to introduction of Nile, the film finally stops speeding and finally finds its own pace.
The very fast pacing of the 15 minutes of the film doesn’t take a toll on the film as its very engaging, especially in the second half of the film. Most of the excitement come from its star Charlize Theron who plays a tough mercenary who knows how to take command of her team. Theron seems to get more and more comfortable with these action roles and it certainly shows. She looks at ease in the film and gives a fantastic performance in the film. The rest of the team is also great as they certain hold their own and are able to succeed in hand to hand combat. In addition, the action sequences are quite fantastic. In the second half of the film, things really start to pick up and we see how great the team can function as a whole. When it comes to the action, these scenes are not only gruesome but also fun and energized.
“The Old Guard” works best as a Netflix film as its one of those films that can be viewed on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The end of the film certainly sets up the possibility for a sequel or even trilogy. I wouldn’t mind seeing a sequel to the film, seeing the team on screen and actually engage in warfare, as most of the characters have done in the past. I recommend viewing “The Old Guard”, as its enjoyable, fun, and exciting for all audiences.
3/4
Edward's Film Reviews 